Dbm

General info

Full name

Db Minor

Symbol

Dbm

Root

Db

Quality

Minor

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

Main resolution

Dbmsource

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

Dbmsource

Deceptive resolution

AA Major

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

Dbmsource

Modal resolution

BB Major

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

Dbmsource

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.

Dbmsource

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#C# Major

Relative

EE Major

Mediant

AA Major

Features

Character

Minor, stable

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3)

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the perfect 5th preserves the triad’s stability.

Application

• ii, iii, vi in major
• Ballads, rock, jazz, blues
• Minor progressions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

viE majorToniciiiA majorToniciiB majorPredominantiC# minorTonic

Compatible scales

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