Db Minor Seventh Chord

Chord Tones: Db Minor Seventh Chord

Symbol: m7, min7, -7 — Formula: 1-♭3-5-♭7

DegreeNoteFrequency (A=440, Equal)
1 Db 277.183 Hz
♭3 E 329.628 Hz
5 Ab 415.305 Hz
♭7 B 493.883 Hz

Chord Notation

Notation TypeSymbol / Value
Lead Sheet SymbolDbm7
All Common Symbolsm7, min7, -7
Interval Formula1-♭3-5-♭7
Harmonic Categorymildly 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

InversionNotes (low to high)Bass NoteSlash Notation
Root Position Db E Ab B Db Db Minor Seventh Chord
First Inversion E Ab B Db E Db Minor Seventh Chord/E
Second Inversion Ab B Db E Ab Db Minor Seventh Chord/Ab
Third Inversion B Db E Ab B Db Minor Seventh Chord/B

Harmonic Function

The Db minor 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 seventh chord adds a minor seventh to the minor triad, creating a smooth, mellow sound. It is ubiquitous in jazz, R&B, and funk as both a chord of repose and a stepping stone in progressions.

Common Progressions

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

Songs Featuring the Minor Seventh Chord

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

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

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

NoteEqual Temp.PythagoreanJust Intonation
Db 277.183 Hz 278.437 Hz 279.067 Hz
E 329.628 Hz 330.001 Hz 327.032 Hz
Ab 415.305 Hz 417.657 Hz 418.601 Hz
B 493.883 Hz 495.000 Hz 490.548 Hz

Scales Containing the Db Minor Seventh Chord

These scales include the Db Minor Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: