D7b13

Q: What notes are in the D7b13 chord?

The D7b13 chord (D 7b13) contains: D, F#, A, C, Bb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build D7b13 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is D7b13 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for D7b13?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

D 7b13

Octaves

Musical context

ChordD majorTriad

ChordD7b13D 7b13

ArpeggioD majorBroken triad

ScaleD major7 notes

KeyD majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: D 7b13
Symbol: D7b13
Root: D
Quality: 7b13

Chord notes

1Droot

3F#major 3rd

5Aperfect 5th

b7Cminor 7th

b6Bbminor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: GG Major AA Major BmB Minor
Unstable degrees: 4G
b7C
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: D7b13source
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: D7b13source
Deceptive resolution
BmB Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
D7b13source
Modal resolution
CC Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
D7b13source
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).
D7b13source
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 a lowered 13th
Characteristic interval: Minor 7th (b7), Minor 13th (b13)
Description: The major 3rd and minor 7th preserve dominant function, while b13 lies a semitone above the perfect 5th and permits semitone resolution.
Application: V7b13–i in minor
Altered dominant
Chromatic voice leading

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1D(D4)Bass

root

v2F#(F#4)M3from D

v3A(A4)m3from F#

v4C(C5)m3from A

v5Bb(Bb5)m7from C

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Romanian minor ScaleC Ukrainian Dorian ScaleD Phrygian dominant ScaleD Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleF# Altered (super Locrian)ScaleA Neapolitan major ScaleA# Lydian augmented ScaleA# Harmonic major ScaleG Harmonic minor ScaleG Melodic minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how D7b13 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: BmB minor
Dominant: AA major
Subdominant: GG major
Key signature: 2 sharps (F#, C#)

What to learn next

ScaleD Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

D Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the D7b13 chord?

How do I build D7b13 on the keyboard?

Which keys is D7b13 found in?

What can I substitute for D7b13?