G Half Diminished
Notes:G – Bb – Db – F
Formula:R-m3-d5-m7
Intervals:P1-m3-d5-m7
Scale Degrees:1-b3-b5-b7
Introduction
The G Half Diminished piano chord (Gm7b5) consists of the notes G, Bb, Db, F. 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
G Half Diminished Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | G4 – Bb4 – Db5 – F5 |
| 1st Inversion | Bb4 – Db5 – F5 – G5 |
| 2nd Inversion | Db5 – F5 – G5 – Bb5 |
| 3rd Inversion | G4 – Bb4 – Db5 – F4 |
Key Signature
The key of G Half Diminished has 1 sharp: F♯.
F♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-d5-m7
Intervals: P1-m3-d5-m7
The G 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.
G Half Diminished — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the G Half Diminished chord?
Gm7b5 contains: G, Bb, Db, F. Diminished triad with minor seventh.
How does Gm7b5 differ from Gdim7?
Minor seventh (F) vs diminished seventh (Fb/E).
How is Gm7b5 used?
ii chord in F minor (Gm7b5–C7–Fm). Common in jazz.
What songs use Half Diminished?
Jazz standards in F minor.
How does Gm7b5 differ from Gm7?
Flatted fifth (Db vs D).
Is Gm7b5 the same as Bbm6?
Same notes, different root.
Practice Tips
- Minor-key ii–V–i in F minor: Gm7b5 → C7 → Fm.
- Gm7b5 and Bbm6 same notes.
- Compare with Gdim7 and Gm7.
- Common in jazz.
- The Db creates tension.
- F minor is common in jazz and classical.