Dbm9: guitar chord voicings, inversions, scales and arpeggios

Dbm9 (m9) is an interactive GuitarArcanum page with chord formula, intervals, voicings, inversions, triads, pentatonic patterns, scales and arpeggios on the fretboard.

Chord formula

Interval formula: 1 b3 5 b7 9. A minor 7th with the 9th added — a soft, rich minor, and the standard choice for the ii chord in jazz.

Chord tones

The b3 sets the minor quality, the b7 softens it, and the 9th adds richness. The 5th is dropped.

Sound character

Soft, warm and deep — not a harsh minor but a calm, full one.

Harmonic function

Most often the ii in a ii – V – I, or the tonic in a minor key.

Typical progressions

  • Ebm9 – Ab9 – Dbmaj9
  • Dbm9 – Gb9 – Bmaj7
  • Abroove on a single Cm9

Guitar voicing advice

Root on the 5th string. Keep the b3, b7 and 9th close together — that's the core of the sound. No 5th needed.

Compatible scales for Dbm9

Other chord qualities on the Db root

Compare this chord with other qualities sharing the same root.