Dbmaj11

General info

Full name

Db Major 11

Symbol

Dbmaj11

Root

Db

Quality

Major 11

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

ITonic (I)C# major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

GbGb MajorAbAb MajorBbmBb Minor

Unstable degrees

7C

1Db

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

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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

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Deceptive resolution

BbmBb Minor

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

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Modal resolution

BB Major

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

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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).

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Functional resolution

AbAb Major

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

Features

Character

Major, with major 7th and 11th

Characteristic interval

Major 7th (M7), 11th

Description

The major 7th and 11th extend the major triad; the 3rd and 11th form a semitone dissonance.

Application

• Neo-soul, modern jazz
• Pads and sustained textures
• Pop ballads with chord extensions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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