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Diminished 7ths

Definition

Diminished 7ths are intervals that consist of six half steps. They are one half step smaller than minor 7ths.

Analogy

Imagine a group of friends sitting around a small table, but there's not enough space for everyone to comfortably fit. That cramped feeling represents the tightness and tension created by diminished 7ths.

Related terms

Minor 7th: A minor seventh is an interval consisting of ten half steps. It has a melancholic and mellow quality.

Dominant Seventh Chord: A dominant seventh chord consists of the root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh above the root note.

Half-Diminished Seventh Chord (m7♭5): A half-diminished seventh chord consists of the root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh above the root note.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.