The D Half Diminished chord is a four-note chord made up of D, F, A♭, and C. It is built from a root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh.
Construction
D Half Diminished = Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th + Minor 7th = D · F · A♭ · C
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D | Root | 1 |
| F | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| A♭ | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
| C | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
D Half Diminished Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D – F – A♭ – C |
| 1st Inversion | F – A♭ – C – D |
| 2nd Inversion | A♭ – C – D – F |
| 3rd Inversion | C – D – F – A♭ |
Key Signature
A Half Diminished chord is built from symmetrical or ambiguous intervals, so it doesn’t belong to a single key and has no key signature of its own.
How D Half Diminished functions in a key
The same chord takes on a different harmonic role depending on the key it appears in. Here is where D Half Diminished sits diatonically across the common keys:
- In E♭ major, D Half Diminished is the vii° chord — the dominant.
- In C minor, D Half Diminished is the ii° chord — a predominant.
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes D – F – A♭ – C aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
D Half Diminished — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D Half Diminished chord on piano?
The D Half Diminished chord contains the notes D – F – A♭ – C. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.