Db Minor Major 7th

Notes:Db – E – Ab – C
Formula:R-m3-P5-M7
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-M7
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-7

Introduction

The Db Minor Major 7th piano chord (DbmMaj7) consists of the notes Db, E, Ab, 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.

Enharmonic equivalent: D♭ is enharmonically equivalent to C♯. See C# Minor Major 7th.

Notes

Notes:Db – E – Ab – C

Db Minor Major 7th Inversions

PositionNotes
Root PositionDb4 – E4 – Ab4 – C5
1st InversionE4 – Ab4 – C5 – Db5
2nd InversionAb4 – C5 – Db5 – E5
3rd InversionDb4 – E4 – Ab4 – C4

Key Signature

The key of Db Minor Major 7th has Key signature data not available.

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-m3-P5-M7
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-M7

The Db 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.

Db Minor Major 7th — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Db Minor Major 7th chord?

DbmMaj7 contains: Db (root), Fb (minor third), Ab (perfect fifth), C (major seventh). Minor triad with major seventh.

How does DbmMaj7 differ from Dbm7?

DbmMaj7 has C (major seventh), Dbm7 has Cb (minor seventh). One semitone — dramatic vs smooth.

How is DbmMaj7 used in music?

Harmonic minor i chord. Film noir, jazz minor ballads. Descending chromatic line.

What songs use Minor Major 7th?

James Bond theme, My Funny Valentine, Stairway to Heaven chromatic descent.

Why does it sound tense?

Minor third and major seventh create close dissonance — dark yet piercing.

How does DbmMaj7 differ from Dbmaj7?

DbmMaj7 has minor third (Fb). Dbmaj7 has major third (F). Both have major seventh.

Practice Tips

  • Play Dbm then add C — hear the dramatic tension.
  • Descending line: Dbm → DbmMaj7 → Dbm7 → Dbm6.
  • Compare with Dbm7 — one semitone changes everything.
  • Film noir and spy theme sound.
  • Harmonic minor i chord.
  • The Fb–C interval creates the tension.