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Chord & Fret

D(b5) — major flat five

Notes in D(b5): D – F# – AbFormula: 1 – 3 – b5

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

It keeps the major third and lowers only the fifth by a semitone. It is the major triad seen through cracked glass: still recognisable, but something is out of true.

The same chord on all four instruments

D(b5), x x 0 1 3 2D(b5)132××DAbDGb
Guitar
D(b5), x x 0 1 3 2D(b5)132××DAbDGb
Electric guitar
D(b5), 4 1 3 0D(b5)312GbAbDD
Cavaquinho
D(b5), 1 2 2 xD(b5)123AbDGb×
Ukulele

Where to use it: A rare, modern colour; in practice it shows up far more with the seventh attached, as C7(b5), than on its own.

This is just one shape of D(b5). In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Triads family.

Other chords in this family

DDDDDmDmDmDmDdimDaugD5

See all chord types and qualities →