Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
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C7♭9/D♭ is the C dominant 7th flat 9th / D♭ (4th inversion) guitar chord with D♭ in the bass. It uses the notes C, E, G, B♭, and D♭ and the interval formula 1-3-5-♭7-♭9.
The C dominant 7th flat 9th dominant 7th flat 9th chord adds a flat ninth D♭ to the dominant 7th, enhancing its dissonance and harmonic tension. This exotic, unresolved color is popular in jazz and classical cadences for creating dramatic resolutions. With D♭ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 4th inversion of C dominant 7th flat 9th.
Also written as C7♭9, Cdom7♭9/D♭, and C7(♭9)/D♭.
These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.
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Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.
The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.
This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.
The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.
The minor seventh adds bluesy or jazzy tension that wants to move onward.
The flat ninth adds sharper tension and a more dramatic clash.
Every shape is shown with its diagram and exact fingering instructions.
C7♭9/D♭ uses the notes C, E, G, B♭, and D♭. Its interval formula is 1-3-5-♭7-♭9.
C7♭9/D♭ is also written as C7♭9, Cdom7♭9/D♭, and C7(♭9)/D♭.
Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string. Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string, 3rd string, and 4th string in barre position. Place the 3rd finger on the 6th fret of the 1st string. Strum from the 5th string down.
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