Dbm6/9 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of Dbm6/9 in Root Position

The Dbm6/9 chord is a minor chord based on the Db key (Db, Fb, Ab) but with additional major 6th (Bb) and major 9th (Eb) intervals. In this article, we will explore the music theory behind this chord in greater detail.

 

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Dbm6/9 Chord Inversions

 

The Dbm6/9 chord has a total of 4 inversions:

Piano Keyboard Diagrams

 

Chord Inversion on Piano

Chord inversions are a fundamental concept in music theory that explains how chords are constructed and fit into progressions. However, when discussing chord inversions on a piano keyboard, it’s essential to note that the diagrams used to show the notes in an inversion may not always be practical for playing.

In actual practice, pianists use different voicings and fingerings for chords, spreading the notes across various octaves and positions on the keyboard. This means that the basic shape of a chord’s inversions as depicted in diagrams might not always be the most effective way to play the chord on a piano keyboard.

 

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How to play a Dbm6/9

To play the Dbm6/9 chord, you can start by playing the root note Db with your left hand. Then, using your right hand, play the minor 3rd Fb (which is equivalent to a natural E), the 6th Bb, and the 9th note Eb. This simplifies the Dbm6/9 chord to include only the root note, minor 3rd, major 6th, and 9th notes.

Db + Fb, Bb, Eb

Pianists often modify these chords for ease, excluding certain notes like the root or the 5th. Another approach is dividing the chord between hands, playing either full or partial chords in each hand. However, voicing chords on the piano is a nuanced topic that requires more explanation.

Keep in mind that these suggestions are general and may not suit every musical context.

 

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Music Theory and Harmony of Dbm6/9

 

Building the Dbm6/9 Chord: Different Approaches

Starting from the Db Major Scale

To build a minor 6/9 chord, you would typically include the root note, minor third, fifth, sixth, and ninth from a minor scale. However, when teaching this concept, it can be more effective to demonstrate its construction using a major scale. This is because a major scale better illustrates the relationship between intervals and their respective qualities.

So let’s take the Db major scale:

 

 

Apply the formula R, m3, 5, 6, 9 to get a Dbm6/9 chord:

1. Select the Root note, which is Db.
2. Pick the 3rd note, which is F, then lower it down by a half step to get the minor 3rd Fb.
3. Add the 5th note, which is Ab, and include it as well.
4. Now, add the 6th which is Bb.
5. Lastly, include the 9th note of the Db Major scale, which is an Eb.

 

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by Combining Intervals

To build a minor 6/9 chord, one approach is to combine specific intervals, namely a minor 3rd, a major 3rd, a major 2nd (whole-tone), and a perfect 4th.

m3 + 3 + 2 + 4 = m6/9 Chords

In a Dbm6/9 chord, you can see that:

• Db-Fb forms a minor 3rd,
• Fb-Ab creates a major 3rd,
• Ab-Bb makes a whole-tone interval,
• and Bb-Eb is a perfect 4th.

Stacking these intervals together creates a Dbm6/9 chord.

 

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How to Use Dbm6/9 in a Chord Progression

 

Dbm6/9 chords can be used as a variation of minor chords. However, it’s important to understand that the major 6th and/or the 9th interval present in this chord may not always be a part of the scale being used.

on Natural minor Scales

• Non-diatonic Tonic chord in C# minor as C#m6/9
• Subdominant chord in Ab minor
• Non-diatonic Dominant chord in F# minor as C#m6/9

on Major Scales

• Supertonic chord in B Major as C#m6/9
• Non-diatonic Mediant chord in A Major as C#m6/9
• Non-diatonic Submediant chord in E Major as C#m6/9

Non-diatonic positions

In the case of the Db minor 6/9th chord, the Bb does not exist in either the Db natural minor scale or the Fb (E) major scale.

In Gb minor and A Major, both, the 6th (Bb) and the 9th (Eb) are not present in the scales. This is why the Dbm6/9 chord (and any other chords with non-scale tones) are called “non-diatonic.”

As a result, it is possible that the inclusion of this chord could cause dissonance within a melody or harmonic progression. So, just be careful when you use this chord in your music. Make sure it works well with the other chords and notes.

 

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Dbm6/9 Function in Major and Minor Keys

 

Dbm6/9 in Db minor (Non-Diatonic)

Check C#m6/9 in C# minor

 

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Dbm6/9 in Ab minor

The Dbm6/9 can also appear as a variation of the subdominant chord in the key of Ab minor.

 

Dbm6/9 Chord Progressions as iv degree

The following chord progressions feature a Dbm6/9 chord as the subdominant (iv degree):

iv III VI VII

You can play the root note with your left hand and the remaining notes within the brackets with your right hand.

 

i iv VI v

 

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Dbm6/9 in Gb minor (Non-Diatonic)

Check C#m6/9 in F# minor

 

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Dbm6/9 in Cb Major

Check C#m6/9 in B Major

 

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Dbm6/9 in Bbb Major (Non-Diatonic)

Check C#m6/9 in A Major

 

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Dbm6/9 in Fb Major (Non-Diatonic)

Check C#m6/9 on E Major

 

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Alternative Names for Dbm6/9 Chord

• Db -6/9
• Reb-6/9
• Db m6/9
• Db m6/9th
• Db min 6/9
• Db m9(add6)
• Db min9 add 6
• Db minor 6th 9th
• Db minor sixth-ninth

 

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