Dmaj7b5

Q: What notes are in the Dmaj7b5 chord?

The Dmaj7b5 chord (D Major 7b5) contains: D, F#, Ab, C#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Dmaj7b5 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 Dmaj7b5 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 Dmaj7b5?

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 Major 7b5

Octaves

Musical context

ChordD majorTriad

ChordDmaj7b5D Major 7b5

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 Major 7b5
Symbol: Dmaj7b5
Root: D
Quality: Major 7b5

Chord notes

1Droot

3F#major 3rd

b5Abdim 5th

7C#major 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: IVSubdominant (IV)A major
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: Dmaj7b5source
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: Dmaj7b5source
Deceptive resolution
BmB Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Dmaj7b5source
Modal resolution
CC Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Dmaj7b5source
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).
Dmaj7b5source
Functional resolution
AA Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with major 7th and diminished 5th
Characteristic interval: Diminished 5th (b5), Major 7th (M7)
Description: The major 3rd preserves major quality, while the diminished 5th and major 7th create two directed dissonances.
Application: Lydian mode
Contemporary jazz
Experimental harmony

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1D(D4)Bass

root

v2F#(F#4)M3from D

v3Ab(Ab4)M2from F#

v4C#(C#5)P4from Ab

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# In (Japanese)ScaleD Chinese scale ScaleF# Hirajoshi (Japanese)ScaleG# Iwato (Japanese)ScaleB Akebono (Japanese)ScaleG# Blues scale ScaleC# Phrygian ScaleC# Double harmonic ScaleC# Neapolitan minor ScaleC# Neapolitan major

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Dmaj7b5 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 LydianScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

D LydianA scale related to this chord

D Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

D Persian scaleA scale related to this chord

D Enigmatic scaleA scale related to this chord

D Chinese 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 Dmaj7b5 chord?

How do I build Dmaj7b5 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Dmaj7b5 found in?

What can I substitute for Dmaj7b5?