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.
Construction
C 7♭5 = Root + Major 3rd + Diminished 5th + Minor 7th = C · E · G♭ · B♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C | Root | 1 |
| E | Major 3rd | 3 |
| G♭ | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
| B♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
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
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the C 7♭5 is the tonic (I) chord of C Major, whose key signature has no sharps or flats.
Chords in the Key of C Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the C major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes C – E – G♭ – B♭ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
C 7♭5 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C 7♭5 chord on piano?
The C 7♭5 chord contains the notes C – E – G♭ – B♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.