DbmMaj7 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of DbmMaj7 in Root Position

The DbmMaj7 chord is a minor chord rooted in the key of Db, consisting of the notes Db, Fb, Ab, and C. The main feature of this chord is the inclusion of a major 7th interval on a minor chord. Additionally, the presence of an augmented fifth between the minor 3rd and major 7th creates a sense of dissonance. In this article, we will delve into the music theory of the DbmMaj7 chord and its role within chord progressions.

 

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Finger Position

 

DbmMaj7 Chord Inversions

 

The DbmMaj7 chord has a total of 3 inversions:

Piano Keyboard Diagrams

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Music Theory and Harmony of DbmMaj7

 

Building the DbmMaj7 Chord: Different Approaches

Starting from the Db Major Scale

A Db minor major 7th chord is formed by taking the root note Db, adding a minor 3rd interval (Fb), a perfect 5th interval (Ab), and finally a major 7th interval (C). Although these intervals are typically derived from a minor scale, for educational purposes, it is often more intuitive to explain their construction using a major scale.

For example, to build a DbmMaj7 chord, you can start with the Db Major scale:

 

 

 

To create a DbmMaj7 chord, apply the formula R, m3, 5, 7 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is Db.
2. To obtain a minor 3rd interval from a major 3rd, you need to lower it by a half-step. In this case, the major 3rd is F so the corresponding minor 3rd would be E. However, to maintain the original interval structure of the chord, we refer to it as Fb instead of E.
3. Include the 5th note, Ab.
4. Finally, add the major 7th interval (C), which is the 7th note of the scale.

By following this simple formula, you can create a minor major 7th chord from any major scale.

 

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by Combining Intervals

Another way to form a minor major 7th chord is by combining specific intervals – a minor 3rd, a major 3rd, and another major 3rd.

m3 + 3 + 3 = minor Major 7th chords

If we observe the intervals between the notes, we can notice that:

• Db-Fb creates a minor 3rd interval,
• Fb-Ab forms a major 3rd interval,
• and Ab-C is another major 3rd interval.

By stacking these three intervals together, we can build the DbmMaj7 chord.

 

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How to Use DbmMaj7 in a Chord Progression

 

The DbmMaj7 chord is characterized by the presence of a major 7th interval, which is not found in either the natural minor or major scales. It’s diatonic in other scales like the harmonic and melodic minor scale, which features a minor major seventh chord on their first degree.

Typically, the DbmMaj7 chord is used as a passing chord, temporarily transitioning towards a more stable Dbm7. Additionally, it can serve as an ending chord in specific musical contexts. This is because the chord produces a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere, making it suitable for certain musical styles and compositions.

Non-diatonic positions in Natural minor and Major Scales

The major seventh interval of the DbmMaj7 chord, which is C, clashes with the B note present in both natural minor and major scales. For this reason, the DbmMaj7 chord is not commonly used as a standalone chord (except in endings).

The DbmMaj7 chord is used:

• on the first and fourth degree of minor scales or
• on the second and on the sixth degree of major scales,
• as part of a chromatic progression towards a minor 7th chord.
• While less common, it can still be used on the fifth degree of both minor and major scales.

Here are the tables of the major and natural minor scales that include the Db minor 7th, which can be complemented by a DbmMaj7 chord, however, since Dbm7 occurs frequently in theoretical keys, we often refer to its enharmonic equivalent keys.

 

on Natural minor Scales

Non-diatonic passing chord to the:

• Tonic chord in C# minor as C#mMaj7
• Subdominant chord in Ab minor
• Dominant chord in F# minor (less common) as C#mMaj7

 

on Major Scales

Non-diatonic passing chord to the:

• Supertonic chord in B Major as C#mMaj7
• Mediant chord in A Major as C#mMaj7
• Submediant chord in E Major as C#mMaj7

 

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DbmMaj7 Function in Major and minor Keys

The chord DbmMaj7 does not serve a functional role in harmonic progressions within major and minor keys as it is not diatonic. Rather, it should be considered as a color to add in certain contexts where modulation to a Dbm7 chord is feasible or appropriate.

 

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DbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Db minor

Check C#mMaj7 in C# minor

 

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DbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Ab minor

The DbmMaj7 chord can be used as a passing chord in the Ab minor scale which has a Db min7 on the fourth degree.

DbmMaj7 as Passing Chord on the iv degree

The following chord progressions feature a DbmMaj7 chord in modulation to the iv degree in the key of Ab minor:

 

iv III VI VII

 

i iv VI v

 

Circle Progression

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DbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Gb minor

Check C#mMaj7 in F# minor

 

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DbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Cb Major

Check C#mMaj7 in B Major

 

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DbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Bbb Major

Check C#mMaj7 A Major

 

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DbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Fb Major

Check C#mMaj7 in E Major

 

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Alternative Names for DbmMaj7

• Db mΔ
• Db mM
• Db m7+
• Db mΔ7
• Db m(Δ)
• Db mM7
• Db minΔ
• Db m(+7)
• Db m(Δ7)
• Db minΔ7
• Db minorΔ
• Db m(maj7)
• Db m(Maj7)
• Db minMaj7
• Db min maj7
• Db m(Maj7th)
• Db minor major 7th
• Db minor major seventh

 

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