Dalt

Q: What notes are in the Dalt chord?

The Dalt chord (D Altered) contains: D, F#, Ab, C, Eb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Dalt 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 Dalt 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 Dalt?

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 Altered

Octaves

Musical context

ChordD majorTriad

ChordDaltD Altered

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 Altered
Symbol: Dalt
Root: D
Quality: Altered

Chord notes

1Droot

3F#major 3rd

b5Abdim 5th

b7Cminor 7th

b2Ebminor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: GG Major EmE Minor
Unstable degrees: 3F#
4G
resolves up to the resolution tonic
4G
b5G#
resolves inward to the resolution tonic
6B
b7C
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
1D
b2D#
resolves down to the tonic 5th
Main resolution: Daltsource
GG Major
Dominant 7th D7 naturally resolves up a 4th to G. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: Daltsource
Deceptive resolution
EmE Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
Daltsource
Modal resolution
CC Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
Daltsource
Jazz reharmonization
G#7G# Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: D7 can be replaced by G#7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
Daltsource
Functional resolution
Dsus4D Sus4
The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: Ab7Ab Dominant 7

Features

Character: Altered dominant, dissonant
Characteristic interval: Diminished 5th (b5), Minor 7th (b7)
Description: The minor 7th establishes dominant function, while altered 5ths and extensions intensify chromatic voice leading into the next chord.
Application: V chord in jazz (alt → i)
Improvising over the altered scale
Substitution for a dominant 7th

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1D(D4)Bass

root

v2F#(F#4)M3from D

v3Ab(Ab4)M2from F#

v4C(C5)M3from Ab

v5Eb(Eb5)m3from C

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Hungarian minor ScaleD Enigmatic scale ScaleD Altered (super Locrian)ScaleD# Melodic minor ScaleD# Neapolitan major ScaleF# Lydian augmented ScaleG Double harmonic ScaleG Neapolitan minor ScaleG Byzantine ScaleA# Mixolydian ♭6

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Dalt 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

D Enigmatic scaleA scale related to this chord

D Altered (super Locrian)A scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the Dalt chord?

How do I build Dalt on the keyboard?

Which keys is Dalt found in?

What can I substitute for Dalt?