Diminished seventh chord

Definition

A diminished seventh chord consists of four notes stacked in minor thirds, creating an unstable and dissonant sound. It can function as either a passing or resolving chord in music.

Related terms

Augmented triad: An augmented triad consists of three notes spaced two whole steps apart, creating an intense and bright sound.

Secondary leading-tone chords: These are chords built on each degree of the scale other than tonic, using leading tones as their roots. They add harmonic interest by temporarily shifting tonal centers.

Altered chords: Altered chords are modified versions of basic chords, usually through changes in one or more pitches by raising or lowering them by half steps.