D#dim(maj7)

Q: What notes are in the D#dim(maj7) chord?

The D#dim(maj7) chord (D# Diminished major 7) contains: D#, F#, A, D. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build D#dim(maj7) 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 D#dim(maj7) 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 D#dim(maj7)?

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.

D# Diminished major 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordD#dimTriad

ChordD#dim(maj7)D# Diminished major 7

ArpeggioD# minorBroken triad

ScaleD# minor7 notes

KeyD# minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: D# Diminished major 7
Symbol: D#dim(maj7)
Root: D#
Quality: Diminished major 7

Chord notes

1D#root

b3F#minor 3rd

b5Adim 5th

7Dmajor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: G#G# Major A#A# Major CmC Minor
Unstable degrees: 4G#
b5A
resolves inward to the 4th
7D
1D#
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: D#dim(maj7)source
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#dim(maj7)source
Deceptive resolution
CmC Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
D#dim(maj7)source
Modal resolution
C#C# Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
D#dim(maj7)source
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#dim(maj7)source
Functional resolution
A#A# Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Diminished, with a major 7th
Characteristic interval: Minor 3rd (m3), Diminished 5th (b5), Major 7th (M7)
Description: The minor 3rd and diminished 5th form a diminished triad, while the major 7th adds semitone tension toward the octave. Two independent dissonances make the chord sharply unstable.
Application: Chromatic harmony
Rare passing sonorities
Modern classical and jazz music

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1D#(D#4)Bass

root

v2F#(F#4)m3from D#

v3A(A4)m3from F#

v4D(D5)P4from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleD Double harmonic ScaleD Byzantine ScaleD Phrygian dominant ScaleD# Hungarian minor ScaleC Romanian minor ScaleC Ukrainian Dorian ScaleG Harmonic minor ScaleG Hungarian minor ScaleG Harmonic major ScaleA# Double harmonic

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how D#dim(maj7) looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: CmC minor
Dominant: BbBb major
Subdominant: AbAb major
Key signature: 3 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab)

What to learn next

ScaleEb Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

Eb Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Eb Diminished scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the D#dim(maj7) chord?

How do I build D#dim(maj7) on the keyboard?

Which keys is D#dim(maj7) found in?

What can I substitute for D#dim(maj7)?