Scale degrees · D♭ major

The 3 of D♭ is F

The 3 (three) of D♭ (D flat, Db) is F: a major third above the root.

D♭ — the root, 1F — the 3

How to find it

Count letters first, the root included: D, E, F. A 3rd lands on F.

Then the sound: a major third is 4 semitones above D♭, which is exactly where F is — no sharp or flat needed.

Where you meet it

The 3 decides major or minor. With the 7 it is a guide tone: the two notes that say what a chord is.

In D♭ major:

D♭ · F · A♭

The 3 in every key

KeyThe 3
CE
GB
DF♯
AC♯
EG♯
BD♯
F♯A♯
D♭F
A♭C
E♭G
B♭D
FA

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