DmMaj7

Q: What notes are in the DmMaj7 chord?

The DmMaj7 chord (D Minor-major 7) contains: D, F, A, C#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build DmMaj7 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 DmMaj7 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 DmMaj7?

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 Minor-major 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordD minorTriad

ChordDmMaj7D Minor-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 Minor-major 7
Symbol: DmMaj7
Root: D
Quality: Minor-major 7

Chord notes

1Droot

b3Fminor 3rd

5Aperfect 5th

7C#major 7th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: AA Major GmG Minor CC Major
Unstable degrees: 7C#
1D
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: DmMaj7source
AA Major
Minor chord Dm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions: DmMaj7source
Deceptive resolution
A#A# Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
DmMaj7source
Modal resolution
CC Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
DmMaj7source
Jazz reharmonization
G7G Dominant 7
In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.
DmMaj7source
Functional resolution
GG Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character: Minor, with a major 7th
Characteristic interval: Minor third (m3), Major 7th (M7)
Description: The minor 3rd defines minor quality, while the major 7th lies a semitone below the octave. This combination matches the tonic chord of harmonic or melodic minor.
Application: Tonic of harmonic and melodic minor
Jazz minor harmony
Chromatic 7–1 lines

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1D(D4)Bass

root

v2F(F4)m3from D

v3A(A4)M3from F

v4C#(C#5)M3from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleD Augmented scale ScaleF# Augmented scale ScaleA# Augmented scale ScaleC# Double harmonic ScaleC# Persian scale ScaleC# Byzantine ScaleC# Enigmatic scale ScaleC# Phrygian dominant ScaleC# Altered (super Locrian)ScaleD Harmonic minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how DmMaj7 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 Augmented 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 DmMaj7 chord?

How do I build DmMaj7 on the keyboard?

Which keys is DmMaj7 found in?

What can I substitute for DmMaj7?