Dbalt

Q: What notes are in the Dbalt chord?

The Dbalt chord (Db Altered) contains: Db, F, G, Cb, D. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Dbalt 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 Dbalt 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 Dbalt?

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 Altered

Octaves

Musical context

ChordDb majorTriad

ChordDbaltDb Altered

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 Altered
Symbol: Dbalt
Root: Db
Quality: Altered

Chord notes

1Dbroot

3Fmajor 3rd

b5Gdim 5th

b7Cbminor 7th

b2Dminor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: GbGb Major EbmEb Minor
Unstable degrees: 3F
4Gb
resolves up to the resolution tonic
4Gb
b5G
resolves inward to the resolution tonic
6Bb
b7B
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
1Db
b2D
resolves down to the tonic 5th
Main resolution: Dbaltsource
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: Dbaltsource
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.
Dbaltsource
Modal resolution
BB Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
Dbaltsource
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.
Dbaltsource
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: Altered dominant, dissonant
Characteristic interval: Diminished 5th (b5), Minor 7th (b7)
Description: The minor 7th establishes dominant function, while altered 5ths and extensions intensify chromatic voice leading into the next chord.
Application: V chord in jazz (alt → i)
Improvising over the altered scale
Substitution for a dominant 7th

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Db(Db4)Bass

root

v2F(F4)M3from Db

v3G(G4)M2from F

v4Cb(Cb4)M3from G

v5D(D5)m3from Cb

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# Enigmatic scale ScaleC# Altered (super Locrian)ScaleD Melodic minor ScaleD Neapolitan major ScaleF Lydian augmented ScaleB Hungarian minor ScaleF# Double harmonic ScaleF# Neapolitan minor ScaleF# Byzantine ScaleA Mixolydian ♭6

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Dbalt 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# 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

C# Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

C# Enigmatic scaleA scale related to this chord

C# Altered (super Locrian)A 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 Dbalt chord?

How do I build Dbalt on the keyboard?

Which keys is Dbalt found in?

What can I substitute for Dbalt?