Db Dominant 13th
Notes:Db – F – Ab – B – Eb – Gb – Bb
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9-11-13
Introduction
The Db Dominant 13th piano chord (Db13) consists of the notes Db, F, Ab, B, Eb, Gb, Bb. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13.
Enharmonic equivalent: D♭ is enharmonically equivalent to C♯. See C# Dominant 13th.
Notes
Db Dominant 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Db4 – F4 – Ab4 – B4 – Bb5 – Eb5 – Gb5 |
| 1st Inversion | F4 – Ab4 – B4 – Eb5 – Bb5 – Db6 – Gb5 |
| 2nd Inversion | Ab4 – B4 – Eb5 – Gb5 – F6 – Bb5 – Db6 |
Key Signature
The key of Db Dominant 13th has 5 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
The Db Dominant 13th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13 show the distance between each note in the chord.
Db Dominant 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Db Dominant 13th chord?
The Db Dominant 13th chord (Db13) contains 7 notes: Db, F, Ab, B, Eb, Gb, Bb. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13.
How is Db13 used in music?
Db13 is used in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music to add harmonic color. It appears as a dominant or tonic chord depending on context.
What is the scale degree formula for Db13?
Db13 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on Db and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice Db13 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing Db13 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve Db13 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.