F Half Diminished
Notes:F – Ab – B – Eb
Formula:R-m3-d5-m7
Intervals:P1-m3-d5-m7
Scale Degrees:1-b3-b5-b7
Introduction
The F Half Diminished piano chord (Fm7b5) consists of the notes F, Ab, B, Eb. 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
F Half Diminished Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | F4 – Ab4 – B4 – Eb5 |
| 1st Inversion | Ab4 – B4 – Eb5 – F5 |
| 2nd Inversion | B4 – Eb5 – F5 – Ab5 |
| 3rd Inversion | F4 – Ab4 – B4 – Eb4 |
Key Signature
The key of F Half Diminished has 1 flat: B♭.
B♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-d5-m7
Intervals: P1-m3-d5-m7
The F 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.
F Half Diminished — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the F Half Diminished chord?
Fm7b5 contains: F, Ab, Cb, Eb. Diminished triad with minor seventh.
How does Fm7b5 differ from Fdim7?
Minor seventh (Eb) vs diminished seventh (D).
How is Fm7b5 used?
ii chord in Eb minor.
What songs use Half Diminished?
Jazz minor-key harmony.
How does Fm7b5 differ from Fm7?
Flatted fifth (Cb vs C).
Is Fm7b5 the same as Abm6?
Same notes, different root.
Practice Tips
- Minor-key ii–V–i: Fm7b5 → Bb7 → Ebm.
- Fm7b5 and Abm6 same notes.
- Compare with Fdim7 and Fm7.
- Jazz vocabulary.
- The Cb creates tension.
- Common in jazz.