Construction
E♭ Half Diminished = Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th + Minor 7th = E♭, G♭, B♭♭, D♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E♭ | Root | 1 |
| G♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| B♭♭ | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
| D♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
How to Play the E♭ 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
E♭ Half Diminished Inversions
- Root positionE♭ – G♭ – B♭♭ – D♭
- 1st inversion (E♭m7♭5/G♭)G♭ – B♭♭ – D♭ – E♭
- 2nd inversion (E♭m7♭5/B♭♭)B♭♭ – D♭ – E♭ – G♭
- 3rd inversion (E♭m7♭5/D♭)D♭ – E♭ – G♭ – B♭♭
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes E♭ – G♭ – B♭♭ – D♭ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
E♭ Half Diminished : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E♭ Half Diminished chord on piano?
The E♭ Half Diminished chord contains the notes E♭ – G♭ – B♭♭ – D♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Eb Half Diminished chord?
Ebm7b5 contains: Eb, Gb, Bbb, Db. Diminished triad with minor seventh.
How does Ebm7b5 differ from Ebdim7?
Minor seventh (Db) vs diminished seventh (Dbb/C).
How is Ebm7b5 used?
ii chord in Db minor.
What songs use Half Diminished?
Jazz minor-key harmony.
How does Ebm7b5 differ from Ebm7?
Flatted fifth (Bbb vs Bb).
Is Ebm7b5 the same as Gbm6?
Same notes, different root.