D♭min(add9)/E♭ guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 44 playable shapes

About the chord

D♭ minor add 9 / E♭ (3rd inversion)

D♭min(add9)/E♭ is the D♭ minor add 9 / E♭ (3rd inversion) guitar chord with E♭ in the bass. It uses the notes D♭, F♭, A♭, and E♭ and the interval formula 1-♭3-5-9.

The D♭ minor add 9 minor add 9 chord adds a ninth E♭ to the minor triad, creating a lush, emotional sound. The combination of the minor third F♭ and ninth E♭ gives it a hauntingly beautiful, introspective quality, perfect for ballads and cinematic music. With E♭ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 3rd inversion of D♭ minor add 9.

Also written as D♭min(add9) and D♭madd9/E♭.

Root note: D♭

Bass note: E♭

Chord tones: 4

Playable shapes: 44

Chord tones

D♭F♭A♭E♭

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape 1

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1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 4th string.
2 Place the 2nd finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string.
3 Place the 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string.
4 Strum from the 4th string down.

Shape 2

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1 Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 1st string.
2 Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string.
3 Place the 3rd finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string, 4th string, and 5th string in barre position.
4 Strum from the 5th string down.

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

D♭ Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

F♭ Minor Third ♭3

This note supplies the minor color and gives the chord its darker emotional pull.

A♭ Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

E♭ Major Ninth 9

The ninth opens the chord up and adds a modern, spacious color.

Quick answers

What notes are in D♭min(add9)/E♭?

D♭min(add9)/E♭ uses the notes D♭, F♭, A♭, and E♭. Its interval formula is 1-♭3-5-9.

What is another name for D♭min(add9)/E♭?

D♭min(add9)/E♭ is also written as D♭min(add9) and D♭madd9/E♭.

How do you play D♭min(add9)/E♭ on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 4th string. Place the 2nd finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string. Place the 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string. Strum from the 4th string down.

Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.

Article Mar 4, 2025