The E Half Diminished chord is a four-note chord made up of E, G, B♭, and D. It is built from a root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh.
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 |
E Half Diminished Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | E – G – B♭ – D |
| 1st Inversion | G – B♭ – D – E |
| 2nd Inversion | B♭ – D – E – G |
| 3rd Inversion | D – E – G – B♭ |
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 E 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 E Half Diminished sits diatonically across the common keys:
- In F major, E Half Diminished is the vii° chord — the dominant.
- In D minor, E Half Diminished is the ii° chord — a predominant.
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 E Half Diminished chord?
Em7b5 contains: E, G, Bb, D. Diminished triad with minor seventh.
How does Em7b5 differ from Edim7?
Minor seventh (D) vs diminished seventh (Db).
How is Em7b5 used?
ii chord in D minor (Em7b5–A7–Dm). Very common in jazz.
What songs use Half Diminished?
Jazz standards in D minor.
How does Em7b5 differ from Em7?
Flatted fifth (Bb vs B).
Is Em7b5 the same as Gm6?
Same notes, different root.