Db13

Q: What notes are in the Db13 chord?

The Db13 chord (Db 13th) contains: Db, F, Ab, Cb, Eb, Bb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Db13 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 Db13 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 Db13?

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.

Db 13th

Octaves

Musical context

ChordDb majorTriad

ChordDb13Db 13th

ArpeggioDb majorBroken triad

ScaleDb major7 notes

KeyDb majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: Db 13th
Symbol: Db13
Root: Db
Quality: 13th

Chord notes

1Dbroot

3Fmajor 3rd

5Abperfect 5th

b7Cbminor 7th

2Ebmajor 2nd

6Bbmajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: ITonic (I)C# major
Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: GbGb Major EbmEb Minor
Unstable degrees: 3F
4Gb
resolves up to the resolution tonic
6Bb
b7B
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution: Db13source
GbGb Major
Dominant 7th Db7 naturally resolves up a 4th to Gb. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: Db13source
Deceptive resolution
EbmEb Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
Db13source
Modal resolution
BB Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
Db13source
Jazz reharmonization
G7G Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: Db7 can be replaced by G7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
Db13source
Functional resolution
Dbsus4Db 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: G7G Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, with a 13th
Characteristic interval: Minor 7th (b7), 13th
Description: The minor 7th preserves dominant tension, while the major 13th adds a consonant extension. Practical voicings may omit the 9th and 11th.
Application: Funk, soul, R&B
V13 → I in jazz cadences
Rhythm guitar

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Db(Db4)Bass

root

v2F(F4)M3from Db

v3Ab(Ab4)m3from F

v4Cb(Cb4)m3from Ab

v5Eb(Eb5)M3from Cb

v6Bb(Bb5)P5from Eb

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# Mixolydian ScaleD# Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleD# Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleF Locrian ScaleG# Dorian ScaleG# Melodic minor ScaleA# Phrygian ScaleB Lydian ScaleB Lydian augmented ScaleF# Ionian (major)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Db13 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: BbmBb minor
Dominant: AbAb major
Subdominant: F#F# major
Key signature: 5 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb)

What to learn next

ScaleC# MixolydianScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

C# MixolydianA scale related to this chord

C# Chromatic 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 Db13 chord?

How do I build Db13 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Db13 found in?

What can I substitute for Db13?