G Diminished 7th
Hear the G Diminished 7th chord played for you.
G°7
G – B♭ – D♭ – E
Formula:R-m3-d5-d7
Intervals:P1-m3-d5-d7
Scale Degrees:1-b3-b5-bb7
Introduction
The G Diminished 7th chord is a four-note chord made up of G, B♭, D♭, and E. It is built from a root, minor third, diminished fifth, and diminished seventh.
The G Diminished 7th piano chord (Gdim7) consists of the notes G, Bb, Db, E. It is built by stacking three minor thirds, creating a fully symmetrical 4-note chord, giving it a extremely tense and dramatic character, fully symmetrical and harmonically versatile. Formula: R-m3-d5-d7 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-b5-bb7.
Notes
G Diminished 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | G – Bb – Db – E |
| 1st Inversion | Bb – Db – E – G |
| 2nd Inversion | Db – E – G – Bb |
| 3rd Inversion | G – Bb – Db – E |
Key Signature
The key of G Diminished 7th has 1 sharp.
F♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of G Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the G major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — G Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-d5-d7
Intervals: P1-m3-d5-d7
The G Diminished 7th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-m3-d5-d7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-m3-d5-d7 show the distance between each note in the chord.
G Diminished 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the G Diminished 7th chord?
The G Diminished 7th chord (Gdim7) contains four notes: G (root), Bb (minor third), Db (diminished fifth), and Fb (diminished seventh, enharmonically E). All four notes are spaced exactly 3 semitones apart.
How does G Diminished 7th differ from G Diminished?
G Diminished is a three-note triad (G, Bb, Db). G Diminished 7th adds Fb/E as the diminished seventh, completing the symmetrical four-note structure.
Why is the Diminished 7th chord symmetrical?
Gdim7 contains the same pitches as Bbdim7, Dbdim7, and Edim7 — all inversions of the same four notes. Only three unique dim7 chords exist in total.
How is G Diminished 7th used in music?
Gdim7 functions as the vii°7 of Ab, resolving up by half step to Ab Major. It is one of the most commonly used dim7 chords because Ab Major is a popular key for vocalists and jazz. Gdim7 also passes chromatically between G and Ab chords.
What songs use Diminished 7th chords?
Diminished 7th chords appear in Michelle (Beatles), throughout Chopin and Beethoven, and in jazz standards. Gdim7 specifically appears as the leading-tone chord in Ab Major, one of the most common keys in R&B and jazz.
How many unique Diminished 7th chords exist?
Only three. Gdim7 shares its notes with Bbdim7, Dbdim7, and Edim7. The other two unique groups are Cdim7 and Ddim7.
Practice Tips
- Play Gdim7 (G–Bb–Db–E) and notice the equal 3-semitone spacing between every note.
- Gdim7 resolves beautifully to Ab Major: try Gdim7 → Ab for the classic leading-tone resolution in a key popular with vocalists.
- Verify symmetry: Gdim7, Bbdim7, Dbdim7, and Edim7 are all the same notes rearranged.
- Use Gdim7 as a passing chord: G7 → Gdim7 → Am7 for a chromatic jazz voice leading pattern.
- Practice arpeggiating Gdim7 across multiple octaves — the repeating 3-semitone pattern creates a striking ascending line.
- Compare Gdim7 with G7 — both create tension, but G7 drives to C while Gdim7 drives to Ab. Different destinations from the same root.
Related Tools
Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.