Flat 5

Definition

Flat 5 refers to the lowered fifth degree of a scale or chord, typically used to create tension and dissonance in music. This alteration is commonly found in jazz and contemporary styles, where it can enhance the complexity of extended and altered chords, giving them a unique flavor. The flat 5 can dramatically affect the harmonic movement within a piece, influencing how chords resolve and interact.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The flat 5 is often notated as b5 and plays a crucial role in creating altered dominant chords.
2. Using a flat 5 can intensify the feeling of resolution when moving to the tonic chord in a progression.
3. In jazz improvisation, musicians may intentionally use the flat 5 to add color and complexity to their solos.
4. The presence of a flat 5 can indicate the use of the whole-half diminished scale or altered scale in melodic construction.
5. Flat 5 chords are commonly used in blues, funk, and fusion genres, contributing to their characteristic sound.

Review Questions

• How does the use of a flat 5 in a chord affect the overall harmony of a musical piece?
  • The inclusion of a flat 5 in a chord introduces dissonance and tension that can enhance the overall harmonic texture. This tension often needs to be resolved, leading to a more compelling progression toward stable chords. The flat 5 creates an expectation for resolution, which can make the return to the tonic or other stable chords feel more satisfying.
• Discuss the relationship between altered chords and flat 5 usage in jazz harmony.
  • In jazz harmony, altered chords frequently incorporate flat 5s to enrich their sound and create heightened tension. These altered chords allow for greater flexibility in improvisation by introducing non-diatonic notes that challenge traditional harmonic expectations. Musicians often choose these alterations purposefully to evoke specific emotions or reactions from listeners.
• Evaluate the impact of flat 5 on chord progressions and its role in defining musical genres.
  • The impact of flat 5 on chord progressions is significant as it shapes the harmonic landscape across various genres. In blues and jazz, for example, flat 5 chords introduce unique characteristics that set these styles apart from others. By fostering dissonance and tension within progressions, the flat 5 enhances expressive capabilities, allowing musicians to explore emotional depths through their compositions and improvisations.

Related terms

Altered Chord: A chord that includes alterations to its original tones, such as a flat 5 or sharp 9, to create tension and a distinct sound.

Diminished Chord:

A chord built from stacked minor thirds, which includes a flat 5 as one of its core components, creating a tense and unresolved sound.

Dominant 7th Chord: A four-note chord that consists of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh, often altered with a flat 5 to add tension before resolution.