Diminished 7th chord

Definition

A diminished 7th chord is a four-note chord consisting of a root note, minor third, diminished fifth, and diminished seventh above the root. It has an unstable and tense quality due to its dissonant intervals.

Analogy

Think of a diminished 7th chord as an unresolved mystery in music. Just like how suspenseful movies keep you on edge until the end, this chord creates tension and anticipation for resolution in a musical context.

Related terms

Dissonance: Dissonance refers to the combination of notes that sound harsh or unstable when played together. Diminished 7th chords are considered dissonant due to their specific intervallic structure.

Resolution: In music theory, resolution refers to the satisfying release or relaxation of tension created by dissonant chords or intervals. Diminished 7th chords often resolve to more stable and consonant harmonies.

Harmonic Function: Harmonic function describes how different chords within a key contribute to the overall tonal structure of a piece. Diminished 7th chords have unique functions depending on their role within a specific key or progression.