Dbmaj9

General info

Full name

Db Major 9

Symbol

Dbmaj9

Root

Db

Quality

Major 9

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

Dbmaj9source

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

Dbmaj9source

Deceptive resolution

BbmBb Minor

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

Dbmaj9source

Modal resolution

BB Major

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

Dbmaj9source

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).

Dbmaj9source

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 a major 7th and 9th

Characteristic interval

Major 7th (M7), 9th

Description

The major 7th creates semitone tension toward the octave, while the major 9th extends the major seventh chord. Separating extensions by register clarifies the structure.

Application

• Tonic Imaj9
• Neo-soul and jazz
• Sustained chordal textures

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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