D 7♭5
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D7♭5
D – F♯ – A♭ – C
Formula:R-M3-d5-m7
Intervals:P1-M3-d5-m7
Scale Degrees:1-3-b5-b7
Introduction
The D 7♭5 chord is a four-note chord made up of D, F♯, A♭, and C. It is built from a root, major third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh.
Notes
D 7♭5 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
The key of D 7♭5 has 2 sharps.
F♯C♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of D Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the D major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — D Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-d5-m7
Intervals: P1-M3-d5-m7
The D 7♭5 is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-d5-m7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-d5-m7 show the distance between each note in the chord.
D 7♭5 — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D 7♭5 chord?
The D 7♭5 chord (D7♭5) contains 4 notes: D, F#, Ab, C. Formula: R-M3-d5-m7.
How is D7♭5 used in music?
D7♭5 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 D7♭5?
D7♭5 uses scale degrees 1-3-b5-b7, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on D and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice D7♭5 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing D7♭5 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve D7♭5 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.
Related Tools
Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.