A HALF-DIMINISHED - GUITAR
Open position
Bass position 5
Chord composition
| I | ♭III | ♭V | ♭VII |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Minor third | Diminished fifth | Minor seventh |
| A | C | D# | G |
ALL ABOUT THE A HALF-DIMINISHED CHORD
Chord Composition
The A Half-Diminished chord is composed of 4 notes :
- A (Root)
- C (Minor third)
- D# (Diminished fifth)
- G (Minor seventh)
These notes form a half-diminished chord, creating soft tension often used in jazz.
How to play A Half-Diminished on guitar
The m7b5 chord (also called half-diminished or ø7) combines a diminished triad with a minor seventh.
- Minor ii degree function: in the ii-V-i progression in minor
- Locrian mode: characteristic chord of the 7th mode of the major scale
- Jazz voicings: often played without root for a more modern sound
Less tense than dim7, the m7b5 is the ii degree chord in minor, essential in minor jazz progressions.
Common uses of A Half-Diminished
The m7b5 chord plays a specific role:
- Minor ii-V-i: ii degree function (iim7b5 - V7 - im7)
- Minor jazz: fundamental jazz progression
- Locrian mode: 7th degree chord of the major scale
Styles
Jazz: ii degree in minor progressions, very frequent.
Bossa nova: enriches minor progressions.
Soul: adds sophistication to minor ballads.