D#mMaj7

Q: What notes are in the D#mMaj7 chord?

The D#mMaj7 chord (D# Minor-major 7) contains: D#, F#, A#, D. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build D#mMaj7 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#mMaj7 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#mMaj7?

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# Minor-major 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordD# minorTriad

ChordD#mMaj7D# Minor-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# Minor-major 7
Symbol: D#mMaj7
Root: D#
Quality: Minor-major 7

Chord notes

1D#root

b3F#minor 3rd

5A#perfect 5th

7Dmajor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: A#A# Major G#mG# Minor C#C# Major
Unstable degrees: 7D
1D#
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: D#mMaj7source
A#A# Major
Minor chord D#m is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions: D#mMaj7source
Deceptive resolution
BB Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
D#mMaj7source
Modal resolution
C#C# Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
D#mMaj7source
Jazz reharmonization
G#7G# 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.
D#mMaj7source
Functional resolution
G#G# Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character: Minor, with a major 7th
Characteristic interval: Minor third (m3), Major 7th (M7)
Description: The minor 3rd defines minor quality, while the major 7th lies a semitone below the octave. This combination matches the tonic chord of harmonic or melodic minor.
Application: Tonic of harmonic and melodic minor
Jazz minor harmony
Chromatic 7–1 lines

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1D#(D#4)Bass

root

v2F#(F#4)m3from D#

v3A#(A#4)M3from F#

v4D(D5)M3from A#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleD# Augmented scale ScaleG Augmented scale ScaleB Augmented scale ScaleD Double harmonic ScaleD Persian scale ScaleD Byzantine ScaleD Enigmatic scale ScaleD Phrygian dominant ScaleD Altered (super Locrian)ScaleD# Harmonic minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how D#mMaj7 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 Augmented scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

Open Trainer

Test yourself

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What notes are in the D#mMaj7 chord?

How do I build D#mMaj7 on the keyboard?

Which keys is D#mMaj7 found in?

What can I substitute for D#mMaj7?