Db7

Q: What notes are in the Db7 chord?

The Db7 chord (Db Dominant 7) contains: Db, F, Ab, Cb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Db7 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 Db7 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 Db7?

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 Dominant 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordDb majorTriad

ChordDb7Db Dominant 7

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 Dominant 7
Symbol: Db7
Root: Db
Quality: Dominant 7

Chord notes

1Dbroot

3Fmajor 3rd

5Abperfect 5th

b7Cbminor 7th

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: Db7source
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: Db7source
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.
Db7source
Modal resolution
BB Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
Db7source
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.
Db7source
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, tense
Characteristic interval: Dominant 7th (b7)
Description: The minor 7th adds dissonance to a major triad. On scale degree V, the chord’s 3rd and 7th form a tritone that directs the voices toward tonic.
Application: V chord in major (resolves to I)
12-bar blues
Rock, Mixolydian