D13b5b9

General info

Full name

D 13b5b9

Symbol

D13b5b9

Root

D

Quality

13b5b9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

GG MajorAA MajorBmB Minor

Unstable degrees

4G

b5G#

resolves inward to the 4th

4G

b7C

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

D13b5b9source

AA Major

Major chord D is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.

Other resolutions

D13b5b9source

Deceptive resolution

BmB Minor

As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).

D13b5b9source

Modal resolution

CC Major

In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.

D13b5b9source

Jazz reharmonization

Dmaj7D Major 7

In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).

D13b5b9source

Functional resolution

AA Major

As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Tritone substitution

Ab7Ab Dominant 7

Features

Character

Dominant, with b5, b9 and 13th

Characteristic interval

Diminished 5th (b5), Minor 9th (b9), 13th

Description

The diminished 5th and minor 9th alter the dominant chord, while the major 13th extends it. Semitone tendencies from b5 and b9 create dense, directed tension.

Application

• Avant-garde jazz
• Complex cadences
• Improvising over altered scales

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.