Skip to content

D♭ 7♭9

Also known as C♯ 7♭9
Same keys, different spelling.
Open C♯ 7♭9 →Same chord, spelled with sharpsWhat are enharmonics? →Why one chord has two names
Jump to any chord

Listen plays the chord. Play Along lights up each note in order so you can follow.

D♭7♭9
D♭ – F – A♭ – C♭ – E♭♭
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-m9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-m9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-b9

Introduction

Db 7♭9 piano chord, root position — Db, F, Ab, B, D
The Db 7♭9 chord in root position on a piano keyboard, notes Db, F, Ab, B, D.

The D♭ 7♭9 chord is a five-note chord made up of D♭, F, A♭, C♭, and E♭♭. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and minor ninth.

Notes

Notes:D♭ – F – A♭ – C♭ – E♭♭

Key Signature

The key of Db 7♭9 has 5 flats.

B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭

Order of flats

Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.

B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭

Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father

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)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1ID♭ MajorMajor
2iiE♭ MinorMinor
3iiiF MinorMinor
4IVG♭ MajorMajor
5VA♭ MajorMajor
6viB♭ MinorMinor
7vii°C DiminishedDiminished

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-m9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-m9

The D♭ 7♭9 is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-m7-m9 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-m7-m9 show the distance between each note in the chord.

D♭ 7♭9 — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Db 7♭9 chord?
The Db 7♭9 chord (Db7♭9) contains 5 notes: Db, F, Ab, B, D. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-m9.
How is Db7♭9 used in music?
Db7♭9 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 Db7♭9?
Db7♭9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-b9, giving it its distinctive sound.

Practice Tips

  • Start by placing your thumb on Db and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
  • Practice Db7♭9 slowly with separate hands before combining.
  • Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
  • Try voicing Db7♭9 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
  • Resolve Db7♭9 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.