All 4 ways to play Db on guitar
-
x43121 at the 1st fret -
x46664 at the 4th fret -
986669 at the 6th fret -
9-11-11-10-9-9 at the 9th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play Db on guitar
Main shape: x43121 (at the 1st fret).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the G (3rd) to the high E (1st) string at the 1st fret (a barre).
- Put your little finger (4) on the 4th fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
Db notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| D♭ | 1 | root |
| F | 3 | major 3rd |
| A♭ | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: D♭/F (1st inversion) and D♭/A♭ (2nd inversion).
Easier ways to play Db
- Put a capo on the 1st fret and play the open C shape: it sounds as D♭.
- In rock songs, the D♭5 power chord (D♭ and A♭ only) can stand in: it has no 3rd, so it is neither major nor minor.
Db on piano and ukulele
-
D♭ piano chord D♭ – F – A♭ -
D♭ on ukulele 1114
Which keys use Db?
D♭ is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| A♭ major | D♭ | IV | predominant |
| F minor | D♭ | VI | tonic or predominant |
| D♭ major | D♭ | I | tonic |
| B♭ minor | D♭ | III | tonic |
| F♯ major | C♯ | V | dominant |
| D♯ minor | C♯ | VII | dominant |
| F♯ minor | C♯ | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with Db
- I–IV–V–I in A♭ major: A♭ – D♭ – E♭ – A♭ The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in A♭ major: A♭ – E♭ – Fm – D♭ The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in A♭ major: Fm – D♭ – A♭ – E♭ The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in A♭ major: A♭ – Fm – D♭ – E♭ The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in A♭ major: A♭ – D♭ – Fm – E♭ The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.