Db major · 7 chords · 5♭

Chords in the Key of Db major

The key of Db major contains the notes Db – Eb – F – Gb – Ab – Bb – C. Its seven chords are Db, Ebm, Fm, Gb, Ab, Bbm, Cdim.

The seven chords of Db major

These are the triads built on each note of the Db major scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
I	Db	Db – F – Ab	Tonic
ii	Ebm	Eb – Gb – Bb	Supertonic
iii	Fm	F – Ab – C	Mediant
IV	Gb	Gb – Bb – Db	Subdominant
V	Ab	Ab – C – Eb	Dominant
vi	Bbm	Bb – Db – F	Submediant
vii°	Cdim	C – Eb – Gb	Leading tone

Seventh chords in Db major

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit Db major.

Dbmaj7 Ebm7 Fm7 Gbmaj7 Ab7 Bbm7 Cm7b5

Key signature of Db major

Db major has 5 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb.

The relative minor of Db major is Bb minor: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels more serious.

How to use the chords of Db major

Most songs in a major key start and end on the I chord and lean on the IV and V chords. Try I–IV–V first, then add the vi chord for a more emotional sound.

Chord progressions in Db major

Popular progressions written out in Db major:

I-V-vi-IV: Db – Ab – Bbm – Gb
I-IV-V: Db – Gb – Ab
12-Bar Blues: Db7 – Db7 – Db7 – Db7 – Gb7 – Gb7 – Db7 – Db7 – Ab7 – Gb7 – Db7 – Ab7
I-vi-IV-V (50s progression): Db – Bbm – Gb – Ab
vi-IV-I-V: Bbm – Gb – Db – Ab
ii-V-I: Ebm7 – Ab7 – Dbmaj7

Scales to play in Db major

C# Major Scale C# Major Pentatonic Scale C# Mixolydian Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of Db major?

The chords in Db major are Db, Ebm, Fm, Gb, Ab, Bbm, Cdim, which are chords I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii° of the key.

What is the relative minor of Db major?

It is Bb minor. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in Db major?