Db Major Seventh Chord
Chord Tones: Db Major Seventh Chord
Symbol: maj7, M7, △7 — Formula: 1-3-5-7
| Degree | Note | Frequency (A=440, Equal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Db | 277.183 Hz |
| 3 | F | 349.228 Hz |
| 5 | Ab | 415.305 Hz |
| 7 | C | 261.626 Hz |
Chord Notation
| Notation Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Dbmaj7 |
| All Common Symbols | maj7, M7, △7 |
| Interval Formula | 1-3-5-7 |
| Harmonic Category | mildly dissonant |
Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.
Inversions
| Inversion | Notes (low to high) | Bass Note | Slash Notation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Position | Db – F – Ab – C | Db | Db Major Seventh Chord |
| First Inversion | F – Ab – C – Db | F | Db Major Seventh Chord/F |
| Second Inversion | Ab – C – Db – F | Ab | Db Major Seventh Chord/Ab |
| Third Inversion | C – Db – F – Ab | C | Db Major Seventh Chord/C |
Harmonic Function
The Db major seventh chord commonly functions as the supertonic (♭II, Neapolitan) in C major or tonic in D♭ major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides extended harmonic tension.
The major seventh chord adds a major seventh to the major triad, creating a lush, sophisticated sound. It is central to jazz harmony and gives a dreamy, unresolved brightness.
Common Progressions
The Db Major Seventh Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):
Imaj7-IVmaj7Imaj7-ii-V
Songs Featuring the Major Seventh Chord
Well-known songs where the Db Major Seventh Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:
- Don't Know Why – Norah Jones
- Misty – Erroll Garner
- Easy – Commodores
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Db | 277.183 Hz | 278.437 Hz | 279.067 Hz |
| F | 349.228 Hz | 347.654 Hz | 348.834 Hz |
| Ab | 415.305 Hz | 417.657 Hz | 418.601 Hz |
| C | 261.626 Hz | 260.740 Hz | 261.626 Hz |
Scales Containing the Db Major Seventh Chord
These scales include the Db Major Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: