DmMaj9

General info

Full name

D Minor-major 9

Symbol

DmMaj9

Root

D

Quality

Minor-major 9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

AA MajorGmG MinorCC Major

Unstable degrees

7C#

1D

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

DmMaj9source

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

DmMaj9source

Deceptive resolution

A#A# Major

A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.

DmMaj9source

Modal resolution

CC Major

In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.

DmMaj9source

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.

DmMaj9source

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 major 7th and 9th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), Major 7th (M7), 9th

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, the major 7th tends by semitone to the octave, and the 9th extends the chord.

Application

• Film scoring
• Jazz and progressive
• Dramatic transitions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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