Diminished Chord

Definition

A diminished chord is a triad consisting of a root note, a minor third, and a diminished fifth. It has a tense and unstable sound, often used in music to create a sense of suspense or to lead into a resolution. In the context of diatonic harmony, diminished chords typically occur as seventh chords or as part of other chord progressions that enhance the emotional expression of the music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a diminished chord, the interval between the root and the fifth is reduced by one half-step, giving it a distinct sound compared to major and minor chords.
2. Diminished chords are often represented using Roman numerals with a small circle (°) or a lowercase 'o', indicating their diminished quality.
3. In diatonic harmony, diminished chords frequently serve as passing or leading tones that connect more stable chords in a progression.
4. A fully diminished seventh chord consists of four notes stacked in alternating minor thirds, creating an even more intense sound and allowing for unique resolutions.
5. Diminished chords can be used effectively in modulation and chromaticism, helping to smoothly transition between different keys and tonal centers.

Review Questions

• How does a diminished chord function within a diatonic harmony context?
  • A diminished chord functions as an unstable element within diatonic harmony, often acting as a leading tone to resolve into more stable chords. It usually appears as the vii° chord in major keys or the ii° chord in minor keys. Its inherent tension creates a desire for resolution, making it an effective tool for composers to guide listeners through harmonic progressions.
• Compare and contrast the use of diminished chords with major and minor chords in music composition.
  • Diminished chords differ significantly from major and minor chords due to their tense sound and unique structure. While major chords provide stability and brightness and minor chords evoke a darker tone, diminished chords introduce suspense and instability. This makes them particularly useful for transitional moments or dramatic passages in compositions. Composers often use them to build tension before resolving into major or minor harmonies for emotional effect.
• Evaluate the role of diminished seventh chords in modulation and how they can be used to create harmonic transitions between keys.
  • Diminished seventh chords play a crucial role in modulation because their symmetrical structure allows them to function in multiple keys. Each note of a diminished seventh chord can serve as the leading tone for different tonal centers, enabling smooth transitions between keys. This characteristic makes them particularly valuable for composers looking to change key areas fluidly while maintaining tension that resolves satisfactorily when moving to new harmonic ground.

Related terms

Triad:

A three-note chord formed by stacking two thirds on top of each other, which can be major, minor, augmented, or diminished.

Seventh Chord: A four-note chord that adds a seventh interval above the root to a triad, which can also be diminished, creating more complex harmonies.

Leading Tone:

The seventh scale degree in a diatonic scale that creates tension, often leading to the tonic; commonly found in diminished chords.