D Half Diminished
Notes:D – F – G# – C
Formula:R-m3-d5-m7
Intervals:P1-m3-d5-m7
Scale Degrees:1-b3-b5-b7
Introduction
The D Half Diminished piano chord (Dm7b5) consists of the notes D, F, G#, C. It is a diminished triad with an added minor 7th, giving it a dark, moody, and tense character commonly used in jazz and minor key progressions. Formula: R-m3-d5-m7 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-b5-b7.
Notes
D Half Diminished Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D4 – F4 – G#4 – C5 |
| 1st Inversion | F4 – G#4 – C5 – D5 |
| 2nd Inversion | G#4 – C5 – D5 – F5 |
| 3rd Inversion | D4 – F4 – G#4 – C4 |
Key Signature
The key of D Half Diminished has 2 sharps: F♯, C♯.
F♯C♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-d5-m7
Intervals: P1-m3-d5-m7
The D Half Diminished 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.
D Half Diminished — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D Half Diminished chord?
Dm7b5 contains: D, F, Ab, C. Diminished triad with minor seventh.
How does Dm7b5 differ from Ddim7?
Dm7b5 has C (minor seventh). Ddim7 has B/Cb (diminished seventh).
How is Dm7b5 used?
ii chord in C minor (Dm7b5–G7–Cm). Essential jazz minor-key harmony.
What songs use Half Diminished?
Autumn Leaves, jazz standards.
How does Dm7b5 differ from Dm7?
Flatted fifth (Ab vs A).
Is Dm7b5 the same as Fm6?
Same notes, different root.
Practice Tips
- Minor-key ii–V–i in C minor: Dm7b5 → G7 → Cm.
- Dm7b5 and Fm6 same notes.
- Compare with Ddim7 and Dm7.
- Essential for jazz minor keys.
- The flatted fifth creates the tension.
- One of the most common half-diminished chords.