Db13b5b9

General info

Full name

Db 13b5b9

Symbol

Db13b5b9

Root

Db

Quality

13b5b9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

GbGb MajorAbAb MajorBbmBb Minor

Unstable degrees

4Gb

b5G

resolves inward to the 4th

4Gb

b7B

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Db13b5b9source

AbAb Major

Major chord Db is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.

Other resolutions

Db13b5b9source

Deceptive resolution

BbmBb Minor

As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).

Db13b5b9source

Modal resolution

BB Major

In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.

Db13b5b9source

Jazz reharmonization

Dbmaj7Db 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).

Db13b5b9source

Functional resolution

AbAb Major

As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Tritone substitution

G7G Dominant 7

Features

Character

Dominant, with b5, b9 and 13th

Characteristic interval

Diminished 5th (b5), Minor 9th (b9), 13th

Description

The diminished 5th and minor 9th alter the dominant chord, while the major 13th extends it. Semitone tendencies from b5 and b9 create dense, directed tension.

Application

• Avant-garde jazz
• Complex cadences
• Improvising over altered scales

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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