Half-diminished seventh chord

Definition

A half-diminished seventh chord is a four-note chord consisting of a root, a minor third, a diminished fifth, and a minor seventh. This chord is often represented by the symbol 'ø7' and plays a crucial role in harmonic progressions, typically functioning as a leading tone or a predominant chord that resolves to a dominant chord.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The half-diminished seventh chord contains four notes: the root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh, which creates its distinct sound.
2. In harmonic contexts, this chord often resolves to a dominant seventh chord, creating a strong pull towards resolution.
3. The half-diminished seventh chord can be notated using various symbols, such as 'ø7', 'm7♭5', or 'min7♭5'.
4. It is commonly used in jazz and classical music to add complexity to harmonic progressions and provide voice leading options.
5. The half-diminished seventh chord can function as the viiø7 chord in a major scale, where it plays an important role in the diatonic harmony.

Review Questions

• How does the half-diminished seventh chord function in relation to other chords within a harmonic progression?
  • The half-diminished seventh chord functions primarily as a leading tone or predominant chord within a harmonic progression. It often resolves to the dominant seventh chord, creating a strong sense of tension followed by resolution. This movement enhances the overall flow of music by bridging between different harmonic areas and adding depth to the progression.
• What are the key characteristics that differentiate a half-diminished seventh chord from a diminished seventh chord?
  • The main difference between a half-diminished seventh chord and a diminished seventh chord lies in their structure. A half-diminished seventh chord includes a minor seventh above the root, while the diminished seventh chord contains a diminished seventh interval. This gives the half-diminished chord a slightly more stable sound compared to the completely tense nature of the diminished seventh chord, making it suitable for different harmonic functions.
• Evaluate the role of half-diminished seventh chords in jazz music compared to classical music.
  • In jazz music, half-diminished seventh chords are frequently used for their rich tonal colors and ability to create complex harmonies that lead to smooth voice leading. Jazz musicians often incorporate these chords in improvisation and arrangements to add tension before resolving to tonic or dominant chords. In classical music, while they serve similar functions of tension and resolution, they are typically more structured within formal compositions and serve specific roles in modulations and cadences. This shows how both genres utilize the same chord but apply it differently based on stylistic context.

Related terms

Diminished seventh chord: A diminished seventh chord is formed by stacking minor thirds on top of each other, resulting in a tense and unstable sound, often used to create dramatic harmonic shifts.

Dominant seventh chord: A dominant seventh chord consists of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh, and it functions as the primary chord for establishing tonality and resolution in harmonic progressions.

Tension in harmony: Tension in harmony refers to the sense of instability or expectation created by certain chords or intervals that seek resolution, often leading to more stable chords.