Dbm(maj7) Guitar Chord Diagrams | Db Minor Major Seventh
Welcome to our tutorial on the Db m(maj7) chord. This unique chord belongs to the broader family of Minor Chords, and is composed of the notes Db, Fb, Ab, and C. The intervals that build this chord are 1 (Root), b3 (Minor Third), 5 (Perfect Fifth), and 7 (Major Seventh).
Understanding the chord's construction is crucial for mastering its sound and application. If you need a refresher on how to build chords by stacking intervals, check out our tutorial on guitar music theory.
The Db m(maj7) chord is a bit more advanced than typical beginner chords, so if you're ready to take your playing to the next level, this is a great place to start. You can learn more about intermediate and advanced chords in our tutorial on intermediate guitar chords.
Our tutorial will guide you through playing the Db m(maj7) chord with detailed chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that highlight the tones composing the chord. If you're unsure about any chord shapes or how to denote them based on the intervals that compose them, our tutorial on guitar chord notation and interactive chord shape analyzer can be very helpful.
Finally, the Db m(maj7) chord is often used in jazz chord progressions. If you're interested in exploring this genre further, check out our tutorial on jazz chord progressions.
Mastering the Db m(maj7) chord will open up a new world of musical possibilities, so let's dive in!
Db m(maj7) chord Notes:
Chord structure of the Minor Major Seventh chord:
Guitar Patterns for the Db Minor Major Seventh chord
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What does 'm(maj7)' signify in a chord name like Db m(maj7)?
The 'm(maj7)' notation signifies a minor chord with a major seventh. The 'm' or 'min' indicates the minor third interval, which gives the chord its overall minor quality. The '(maj7)' specifically denotes the presence of a major seventh interval, rather than the more common minor seventh.
How can a chord be considered 'minor' if it contains a 'Major Seventh' interval?
A chord's fundamental quality (whether it's major or minor) is determined by its third interval, not its seventh. The Db m(maj7) chord is 'minor' because it contains a minor third (Fb relative to Db). The Major Seventh (C) simply adds a specific, often sophisticated, harmonic color to that minor foundation.
What are the specific notes and intervals that compose the Db m(maj7) chord?
The Db m(maj7) chord is composed of the notes Db, Fb, Ab, and C. These notes represent the following intervals relative to the root (Db): Root (Db), Minor Third (Fb), Perfect Fifth (Ab), and Major Seventh (C).
Why is the second note of the Db m(maj7) chord spelled as Fb instead of E?
The note is spelled as Fb to maintain the correct theoretical interval structure. From the root Db, a minor third is correctly identified as Fb, consistent with diatonic spelling. Although E and Fb are enharmonically the same pitch on the guitar, using Fb clarifies its function as the minor third within the chord's construction.
What is the difference between a Db m(maj7) chord and a standard Db minor 7 (Dbmin7) chord?
The primary difference lies in their seventh interval. A Db m(maj7) chord contains a Major Seventh (C), giving it a unique, often melancholic or ethereal sound. A standard Db minor 7 chord, however, would contain a Minor Seventh, which results in a more common, softer jazz sound.
When is the Db m(maj7) chord typically used in music?
The Db m(maj7) chord is considered an advanced chord and is often used to add rich, sophisticated harmonic color. It is frequently found in jazz chord progressions, where its distinctive sound contributes to complex and expressive musical passages.