Construction
D♭ Major 11th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th = D♭, F, A♭, C, E♭, G♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D♭ | Root | 1 |
| F | Major 3rd | 3 |
| A♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| C | Major 7th | 7 |
| E♭ | Major 2nd | 9 |
| G♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the D♭ Major 11th is the tonic (I) chord of D♭ Major, whose key signature has 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭).
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 triads built on each degree of D♭ Major:
Scales That Include the D♭ Major 11th
- Db Major (I)
- Bb Minor (III)
- Eb Dorian (VII)
- F Phrygian (VI)
- Gb Lydian (V)
- Ab Mixolydian (IV)
- Bb Aeolian (III)
- C Locrian (II)
D♭ Major 11th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D♭ Major 11th chord on piano?
The D♭ Major 11th chord contains the notes D♭ – F – A♭ – C – E♭ – G♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Db Major 11th chord?
Practical voicing drops the third: Db–Ab–C–Eb–Gb. The third (F) and eleventh (Gb) clash.
How does Dbmaj11 differ from Db11?
Dbmaj11 has major seventh (C). Db11 has minor seventh (Cb). Different functions entirely.
How is Dbmaj11 used in music?
Dbmaj11 appears in contemporary jazz, film scoring, and ambient music as an expansive tonic.
How does Dbmaj11 differ from Dbmaj9?
Adds the eleventh (Gb) for an open, expansive quality.
What songs use Major 11th chords?
Major 11th chords appear in film scores, contemporary jazz, and ambient music.
Do I need to play all six notes?
No: drop the third. Db–C–Eb–Gb is clean.