Half Diminished Chord

Definition

A half diminished chord is a four-note chord that consists of a root, a minor third, a diminished fifth, and a minor seventh. This chord is often represented by the symbol 'ø' or 'm7♭5', and it plays a crucial role in harmony, especially in minor scales. The half diminished chord functions as the seventh chord built on the seventh degree of a harmonic minor scale, lending tension and resolution to musical progressions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a half diminished chord, the interval structure includes a minor third, a diminished fifth, and a minor seventh above the root.
2. The half diminished chord is typically used as the viiø7 (seven half-diminished) chord in the context of harmonic minor scales.
3. This chord creates tension that often resolves to the tonic or other stable chords within musical progressions.
4. The half diminished chord can be found in jazz and classical music, where it serves as an important pivot for modulation and complex harmonies.
5. When analyzing progressions in minor keys, recognizing the half diminished chord can help understand the harmonic movement and resolutions.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of a half diminished chord differ from that of a fully diminished chord?
  • A half diminished chord contains a root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh. In contrast, a fully diminished chord has the same root and minor third but includes a double flattened seventh instead of just a minor seventh. This difference gives the half diminished chord a slightly less tense sound compared to the fully diminished chord.
• Discuss the function of the half diminished chord in harmonic minor scales and its typical resolutions.
  • In harmonic minor scales, the half diminished chord functions as the viiø7 (seven half-diminished) chord. It typically resolves to the tonic or other stable chords like the dominant seventh. The tension created by the half diminished chord enhances the pull towards resolution, making it an essential component in establishing harmonic progressions within minor contexts.
• Evaluate the significance of the half diminished chord in jazz harmony and its role in improvisation.
  • The half diminished chord holds significant importance in jazz harmony due to its unique sound that adds complexity and depth to progressions. Musicians often use it as a substitute for dominant chords or to create tension before resolving to major or minor chords. In improvisation, understanding how to navigate around this chord allows players to explore interesting melodic lines and harmonies that enhance their overall musical expression.

Related terms

Diminished Chord:

A diminished chord is a three-note chord consisting of a root, a minor third, and a diminished fifth, creating a sense of instability.

Minor Scale:

A minor scale is a diatonic scale that consists of seven notes, characterized by its specific pattern of whole and half steps that creates a darker, more somber sound.

Dominant Seventh Chord:

A dominant seventh chord is a four-note chord made up of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh, commonly resolving to the tonic in tonal music.