How to play the D69 chord on guitar

The D69 chord, pronounced "D sixth added ninth," is a rich and versatile guitar chord that adds a sophisticated flavor to any progression. Notable for its jazzy and somewhat complex sound, the D69 is often used in genres like jazz, neo-soul, and R&B. It's a favorite among guitarists looking to inject a unique and intriguing color into their playing.

The D69 chord is typically played on the 10th fret of the guitar as a barre chord.

Follow these finger positions to play a D69 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings on the 10th fret, forming a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 12th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 12th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 12th fret of the 2nd (B) string.

Strum all six strings together in a downward motion to play the D69 chord.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the D69 chord, try playing a D6 chord instead. A D6 is played by barring the 10th fret, placing your ring finger on the 12th fret of the B string, and your pinky on the 12th fret of the high E string.

I'm afraid there is no standard or widely recognized D69 guitar chord, either in open position or as a barre chord. The "69" suffix is not conventionally used in guitar chord naming. If you'd like, I can provide instructions for playing a different common D chord variation as a barre chord instead. Just let me know!

The D69 chord, a variation of the D major chord with an added 6th and 9th, adds a dreamy and slightly jazzy feel to progressions. It's often used to create a sense of floating or transitioning between sections in a song. Here are some common D69 chord progressions:

• I - vi - IV - V (D - Bm7 - G - A7)
• ii - V - I - vi (Em7 - A7 - D - Bm7) Used in "Girl from Ipanema"
• I - IV - iii - vi (D - G - F#m7 - Bm7)
• I - vi - ii - V (D - Bm7 - Em7 - A7) Used in "Fly Me to the Moon"
• iii - vi - ii - V (F#m7 - Bm7 - Em7 - A7)

To master the D69 guitar chord, try playing the individual notes (D, F#, A, B, E) one at a time, focusing on clean execution and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in various patterns and rhythms.

Another effective drill is to play the chord as an arpeggio, plucking each note separately in ascending or descending order. This exercise helps develop finger independence and muscle memory. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more proficient with the chord shape and transitions.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the D6/9 chord.

1. Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (G, D, Am7, G/B)
2. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7, G, D, Am7sus4)
3. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day (G, C, D, Em7)
4. Zombie by The Cranberries (Em, C, G, D/F#)
5. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (C, G/B, Em, D)
6. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (Em7, G, D/F#, C)
7. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, G/B, C, D/F#)
8. Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (C, Am7, C/G, D/F#)
9. Hotel California by Eagles (Am, E7, G, D, F)
10. Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns N' Roses (C, G, D, F)