D♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord

Chord Tones: D♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord

Symbol: mMaj7, m△7 — Formula: 1-♭3-5-7

Chord Notation

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Harmonic Function

The D♭ minor 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 subdominant or supertonic color.

The minor-major seventh chord combines a minor triad with a major seventh, creating a uniquely tense sound. It appears in descending bass lines and is characteristic of film noir and jazz. The D♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord specifically contains 4 notes: D♭, E, A♭, C (formula: 1-♭3-5-7). On piano, Db-rooted chords place the root on a black key surrounded by other black keys, and the hand naturally cups over the raised surface for smooth voice leading. Romantic piano repertoire, contemporary R&B, and cinematic underscore frequently feature Db chords for their lush, introspective warmth.

Common Progressions

The D♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

• i-imaj7-i7-iv

Songs Featuring the Minor-Major Seventh Chord

Well-known songs where the D♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

• Cry Me a River – Julie London
• James Bond Theme – John Barry
• Willow Weep for Me – jazz standard

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Scales Containing the D♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord

These scales include the D♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: