Db

Q: What notes are in the Db chord?

The Db chord (Db Major) contains: Db, F, Ab. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Db 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 Db 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 Db?

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 Major

Octaves

Musical context

ChordDb majorTriad

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 Major
Symbol: Db
Root: Db
Quality: Major

Chord notes

1Dbroot

3Fmajor 3rd

5Abperfect 5th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: ITonic (I)C# major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: GbGb Major AbAb Major BbmBb Minor
Main resolution: Dbsource
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: Dbsource
Deceptive resolution
BbmBb Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Dbsource
Modal resolution
BB Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Dbsource
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).
Dbsource
Functional resolution
AbAb Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Parallel: C#mC# Minor
Relative: BbmBb Minor
Mediant: FmF Minor

Features

Character: Major, stable
Characteristic interval: Major third (M3)
Description: The major 3rd defines the major quality, while the perfect 5th makes the triad stable.
Application: I, IV, V in major keys
Pop, rock, folk
Cadential chords