Half-diminished 7th chords are very important.
Not only do they naturally occur on the 7th tone of any major scale, they are used as great preparers for dominant chords on the 5th tone.
If you play gospel, you’ve undoubtedly used a half-diminished 7th chord on the 2nd tone of the scale to lead to the 5th.
Half-Diminished 7th Chord Basics
By going to the 7th tone of any scale and playing every other note, you’ll form the half-diminished 7th chord.
For example, in C major, the 7th tone is B.
Simply play B + D + F + A (every other note of C major scale) and you’ve got yourself a B half-diminished 7th chord.
Other Alternatives to Forming Half-Diminished 7th Chords
The first three notes of a half-diminished 7th chord in root position look identical to the diminished triad. For example, in the chord above (B half-diminished 7th), if you take off the last note, you’re left with B + D + F, which is a B diminished triad.
And diminished chords are formed by simply stacking a bunch of minor third intervals together.
Note: Minor thirds have three half steps between them.
B to D is minor third.
D to F is minor third.
Where the “half-diminished 7th” chord differs is in the last interval. Instead of another minor third like the B diminished 7th chord (B + D + F + Ab), you play a major third, which is four half steps.
F to Ab is minor third.
F to A is major third. <---- This is the one you choose the differentiate the half-diminished 7th from a typical diminished 7th chord.
Compare the two: Half-diminished 7th vs diminished 7th
B diminished 7th
B half-diminished 7th
It’s all in the last interval… and the difference in one tiny half step.
We’ll talk about where to use the half-diminished 7th chord tomorrow.
Jermaine Griggs
Attention: To learn more about this, I recommend our 500+ page course: The "Official Guide To Piano Playing." Click here for more information.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Looking forward to tomorrow. Diminished chords are pure magic.
That real sound good ,i love that chords
Hello Jermaine,
I want to say a very big thank you to your lessons which has help me tremendously in my keyboard playing. Please, i have this puzzling question which goes thus; what is freestyle music? And, what is the major difference between standard and freestyle music?(specifically on gosgel music). Thanks.
What are the application of this chords.
I can runing scale on F, F#, C, & C#. Whats the disadvantage
I really appreciate all the ways, you continue to engage us with inspiring and informative interviews and taped messages. God bless you!
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Great work hear and play family.