DbmMaj7b5

General info

Full name

Db Minor-maj 7b5

Symbol

DbmMaj7b5

Root

Db

Quality

Minor-maj 7b5

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

IVSubdominant (IV)Ab major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

AbAb MajorGbmGb MinorBB Major

Unstable degrees

4Gb

b5G

resolves inward to the 4th

7C

1Db

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

DbmMaj7b5source

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

DbmMaj7b5source

Deceptive resolution

AA Major

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

DbmMaj7b5source

Modal resolution

BB Major

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

DbmMaj7b5source

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.

DbmMaj7b5source

Functional resolution

GbGb Major

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

Features

Character

Minor, with diminished 5th and major 7th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), Diminished 5th (b5), Major 7th (M7)

Description

The minor 3rd defines minor quality, the diminished 5th forms a tritone with the root, and the major 7th lies a semitone below the octave. The two dissonances make the chord sharply unstable.

Application

• Experimental harmony
• Film scoring
• Passing chord

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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