D#7b13

General info

Full name

D# 7b13

Symbol

D#7b13

Root

D#

Quality

7b13

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

G#G# MajorA#A# MajorCmC Minor

Unstable degrees

4G#

b7C#

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

D#7b13source

A#A# Major

Major chord D# is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.

Other resolutions

D#7b13source

Deceptive resolution

CmC Minor

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

D#7b13source

Modal resolution

C#C# Major

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

D#7b13source

Jazz reharmonization

D#maj7D# 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).

D#7b13source

Functional resolution

A#A# Major

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

Substitutions

Tritone substitution

A7A Dominant 7

Features

Character

Dominant, with a lowered 13th

Characteristic interval

Minor 7th (b7), Minor 13th (b13)

Description

The major 3rd and minor 7th preserve dominant function, while b13 lies a semitone above the perfect 5th and permits semitone resolution.

Application

• V7b13–i in minor
• Altered dominant
• Chromatic voice leading

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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