The D♭ Augmented 7th chord is a four-note chord made up of D♭, F, A, and C♭. It is built from a root, major third, augmented fifth, and minor seventh.
Construction
D♭ Augmented 7th = Root + Major 3rd + Minor 6th + Minor 7th = D♭ · F · A · C♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D♭ | Root | 1 |
| F | Major 3rd | 3 |
| A | Minor 6th | ♯5 |
| C♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
D♭ Augmented 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D♭ – F – A – C♭ |
| 1st Inversion | F – A – C♭ – D♭ |
| 2nd Inversion | A – C♭ – D♭ – F |
| 3rd Inversion | C♭ – D♭ – F – A |
Key Signature
A Augmented 7th chord is built from symmetrical or ambiguous intervals, so it doesn’t belong to a single key and has no key signature of its own.
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes D♭ – F – A – C♭ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
D♭ Augmented 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D♭ Augmented 7th chord on piano?
The D♭ Augmented 7th chord contains the notes D♭ – F – A – C♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Db Augmented 7th chord?
The Db Augmented 7th chord (Db+7) contains four notes: Db (root), F (major third), A (augmented fifth), and Cb (minor seventh, enharmonically B). It combines an augmented triad with a minor seventh.
How does Db Augmented 7th differ from Db Dominant 7th?
Both contain Db, F, and Cb. The difference is the fifth: Db+7 has A (augmented fifth) while Db7 has Ab (perfect fifth). The raised fifth adds extra tension and upward pull.
How is Db Augmented 7th used in music?
Db+7 is an altered dominant chord resolving to Gb Major. The augmented fifth (A) pulls up to Bb while Cb pulls down to Bb — both converge on the third of Gb. Common in jazz and gospel as a colourful dominant substitute.
What genres use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords are common in jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B. They add emotional intensity and colour to dominant chord resolutions, creating richer harmonic movement than standard dominant 7ths.
What songs use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords appear in jazz standards and gospel music where altered dominants add emotional weight. Blues and jazz pianists use +7 chords as expressive dominant substitutes.
What is the difference between +7 and 7#5?
They are the same chord. Db+7, Db7#5, and Dbaug7 all refer to Db Augmented 7th. The symbols vary by notation tradition.