Dbm7

General info

Full name

Db Minor 7

Symbol

Dbm7

Root

Db

Quality

Minor 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

ITonic (I)C# major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

AbAb MajorGbmGb MinorBB Major

Unstable degrees

4Gb

b7B

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Dbm7source

AbAb Major

Minor chord Dbm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).

Other resolutions

Dbm7source

Deceptive resolution

AA Major

A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.

Dbm7source

Modal resolution

BB Major

In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.

Dbm7source

Jazz reharmonization

Gb7Gb Dominant 7

In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.

Dbm7source

Functional resolution

GbGb Major

As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Substitutions

Parallel

C#maj7C# Major 7

Relative

Emaj7E Major 7

Features

Character

Minor, with a minor 7th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), Minor 7th (b7)

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the minor 7th extends the triad without a leading tone.

Application

• ii and iii in major
• Jazz (ii-V-I), neo-soul
• Funk and R&B

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

vim7E majorToniciiim7A majorToniciim7B majorPredominantim7C# minorTonic

Typical progressions

ii-V-I (jazz)

Dm7—G7—Cmaj7

Jazz

Compatible scales

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