D# Dominant Sharp Ninth Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio — fretboard diagram
D# Dominant Sharp Ninth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: D#, G, A#, C#, E##
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7m, 9A
Formula: 2W-WH-WH-5
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: 7#9
The D# Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio contains 5 notes (D#, G, A#, C#, E##). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each arpeggio shape and pattern on Guitar. Practice ascending and descending from the root note across all strings to learn the sound of this arpeggio.
When to Use the D# Dominant Sharp Ninth Arpeggio
Play the D# Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio whenever a D# Dominant Sharp Ninth chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The D# Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio uses 5 notes (D#, G, A#, C#, E##) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play D# Dominant Sharp Ninth Arpeggio on Guitar
Root your D# Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio at fret 11 on the 6th (low E), or alternatively at 6th fret on the A string. This 5-note arpeggio (D#, G, A#, C#, E##) benefits from economy picking, combining sweep and alternate picking motions. Practice isolating two-string pairs to build coordination before linking the full shape.
The D# Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio outlines a dominant seventh chord, creating the tension that wants to resolve. Use it over D#7, D#9, D#13 chords, especially in blues, funk, and jazz where dominant harmony drives the groove.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Play the D# Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio as whole notes over a backing track or drone on D#. Focus on intonation and tone quality for each of the 5 notes (D#, G, A#, C#, E##). After a few passes, begin improvising short melodic phrases built from these arpeggio tones, connecting them with passing notes.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the D# Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio using sweep picking across all six strings. Start with downstrokes ascending and upstrokes descending at a slow tempo, keeping each note separated rather than blurred. Mute unused strings with your fretting hand to keep the sound clean.
Related Resources
- Harmonize D# Dominant Sharp Ninth
- Browse Chord Progressions
- Interactive Circle of Fifths
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth on Bass
Explore D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Other Tunings
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- D# Dominant Sharp Ninth in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)