D Minor Major 7th
Notes:D – F – A – C#
Formula:R-m3-P5-M7
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-M7
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-7
Introduction
The D Minor Major 7th piano chord (DmMaj7) consists of the notes D, F, A, C#. It is a minor triad with an added major 7th, giving it a dark and complex character with strong tension, often used in jazz and minor key progressions. Formula: R-m3-P5-M7 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-5-7.
Notes
D Minor Major 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D4 – F4 – A4 – C#5 |
| 1st Inversion | F4 – A4 – C#5 – D5 |
| 2nd Inversion | A4 – C#5 – D5 – F5 |
| 3rd Inversion | D4 – F4 – A4 – C#4 |
Key Signature
The key of D Minor Major 7th has 1 flat: B♭.
B♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-M7
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-M7
The D Minor Major 7th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-m3-P5-M7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-m3-P5-M7 show the distance between each note in the chord.
D Minor Major 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D Minor Major 7th chord?
DmMaj7 contains: D, F, A, C#. Minor triad with major seventh.
How does DmMaj7 differ from Dm7?
DmMaj7 has C# (major seventh), Dm7 has C (minor seventh).
How is DmMaj7 used in music?
Harmonic minor i chord. Film noir, jazz. Descending line Dm → DmMaj7 → Dm7 → Dm6.
What songs use Minor Major 7th?
James Bond, My Funny Valentine, Stairway to Heaven.
Why does it sound tense?
Minor third (F) and major seventh (C#) create close dissonance.
How does DmMaj7 differ from Dmaj7?
DmMaj7 has minor third (F). Dmaj7 has major third (F#).
Practice Tips
- Play Dm then add C# — hear the dramatic tension.
- Descending line: Dm → DmMaj7 → Dm7 → Dm6.
- Compare with Dm7.
- Film noir sound.
- Harmonic minor i chord.
- The F–C# interval creates tension.