Dbb13#9

General info

Full name

Db b13#9

Symbol

Dbb13#9

Root

Db

Quality

b13#9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

GbGb MajorAbAb MajorBbmBb Minor

Unstable degrees

4Gb

b7B

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Dbb13#9source

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

Dbb13#9source

Deceptive resolution

BbmBb Minor

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

Dbb13#9source

Modal resolution

BB Major

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

Dbb13#9source

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).

Dbb13#9source

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 #9 and b13

Characteristic interval

Augmented 9th (#9), Minor 13th (b13)

Description

The augmented 9th clashes chromatically with the major 3rd, while the minor 13th lies a semitone above the perfect 5th. The two alterations intensify dominant dissonance.

Application

• Avant-garde jazz
• Altered dominants
• Experimental harmony

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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