Construction
A♭ Half Diminished = Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th + Minor 7th = A♭, C♭, E♭♭, G♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A♭ | Root | 1 |
| C♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| E♭♭ | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
| G♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
How to Play the A♭ Half Diminished
Right Hand (RH)
Place your right hand over the keys with the thumb on the root. Use the fingering: 2 – 3 – 4 – 5
Left Hand (LH)
For the left hand, start with your pinky on the root. Use the fingering: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2
A♭ Half Diminished Inversions
- Root positionA♭ – C♭ – E♭♭ – G♭
- 1st inversion (A♭m7♭5/C♭)C♭ – E♭♭ – G♭ – A♭
- 2nd inversion (A♭m7♭5/E♭♭)E♭♭ – G♭ – A♭ – C♭
- 3rd inversion (A♭m7♭5/G♭)G♭ – A♭ – C♭ – E♭♭
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes A♭ – C♭ – E♭♭ – G♭ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
A♭ Half Diminished : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A♭ Half Diminished chord on piano?
The A♭ Half Diminished chord contains the notes A♭ – C♭ – E♭♭ – G♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Ab Half Diminished chord?
Abm7b5 contains: Ab, Cb, Ebb, Gb. Diminished triad with minor seventh.
How does Abm7b5 differ from Abdim7?
Minor seventh (Gb) vs diminished seventh (Gbb/F).
How is Abm7b5 used?
ii chord in Gb minor.
What songs use Half Diminished?
Jazz minor-key harmony.
How does Abm7b5 differ from Abm7?
Flatted fifth (Ebb vs Eb).
Is Abm7b5 the same as Cbm6?
Same notes, different root.