Ddim(maj7)

Q: What notes are in the Ddim(maj7) chord?

The Ddim(maj7) chord (D Diminished major 7) contains: D, F, Ab, C#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Ddim(maj7) 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 Ddim(maj7) 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 Ddim(maj7)?

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 Diminished major 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordDdimTriad

ChordDdim(maj7)D Diminished major 7

ArpeggioD minorBroken triad

ScaleD minor7 notes

KeyD minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: D Diminished major 7
Symbol: Ddim(maj7)
Root: D
Quality: Diminished major 7

Chord notes

1Droot

b3Fminor 3rd

b5Abdim 5th

7C#major 7th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: GG Major AA Major BmB Minor
Unstable degrees: 4G
b5G#
resolves inward to the 4th
7C#
1D
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Ddim(maj7)source
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: Ddim(maj7)source
Deceptive resolution
BmB Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Ddim(maj7)source
Modal resolution
CC Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Ddim(maj7)source
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).
Ddim(maj7)source
Functional resolution
AA Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Diminished, with a major 7th
Characteristic interval: Minor 3rd (m3), Diminished 5th (b5), Major 7th (M7)
Description: The minor 3rd and diminished 5th form a diminished triad, while the major 7th adds semitone tension toward the octave. Two independent dissonances make the chord sharply unstable.
Application: Chromatic harmony
Rare passing sonorities
Modern classical and jazz music

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1D(D4)Bass

root

v2F(F4)m3from D

v3Ab(Ab4)m3from F

v4C#(C#5)P4from Ab

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# Double harmonic ScaleC# Byzantine ScaleC# Phrygian dominant ScaleD Hungarian minor ScaleF# Harmonic minor ScaleF# Hungarian minor ScaleF# Harmonic major ScaleA Double harmonic ScaleA Persian scale ScaleA Byzantine

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Ddim(maj7) 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 Diminished scaleA 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 Ddim(maj7) chord?

How do I build Ddim(maj7) on the keyboard?

Which keys is Ddim(maj7) found in?

What can I substitute for Ddim(maj7)?