C 7♭5
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C7♭5
C – E – G♭ – B♭
Formula:R-M3-d5-m7
Intervals:P1-M3-d5-m7
Scale Degrees:1-3-b5-b7
Introduction
The C 7♭5 chord is a four-note chord made up of C, E, G♭, and B♭. It is built from a root, major third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh.
Notes
C 7♭5 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | C – E – G♭ – B♭ |
| 1st Inversion | E – G♭ – B♭ – C |
| 2nd Inversion | G♭ – B♭ – C – E |
| 3rd Inversion | B♭ – C – E – G♭ |
Key Signature
The key of C 7♭5 has no sharps or flats. Every note is natural, which makes it the easiest key signature to read on the staff.
Chords in the Key of C Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the C major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — C Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-d5-m7
Intervals: P1-M3-d5-m7
The C 7♭5 is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-d5-m7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-d5-m7 show the distance between each note in the chord.
C 7♭5 — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C 7♭5 chord?
The C 7♭5 chord (C7♭5) contains 4 notes: C, E, Gb, Bb. Formula: R-M3-d5-m7.
How is C7♭5 used in music?
C7♭5 is used in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music to add harmonic color. It appears as a dominant or tonic chord depending on context.
What is the scale degree formula for C7♭5?
C7♭5 uses scale degrees 1-3-b5-b7, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on C and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice C7♭5 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing C7♭5 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve C7♭5 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.
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.