Gb Half Diminished
Notes:Gb – A – C – E
Formula:R-m3-d5-m7
Intervals:P1-m3-d5-m7
Scale Degrees:1-b3-b5-b7
Introduction
The Gb Half Diminished piano chord (Gbm7b5) consists of the notes Gb, A, C, E. 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.
Enharmonic equivalent: G♭ is enharmonically equivalent to F♯. See F# Half Diminished.
Notes
Gb Half Diminished Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Gb4 – A4 – C5 – E5 |
| 1st Inversion | A4 – C5 – E5 – Gb5 |
| 2nd Inversion | C5 – E5 – Gb5 – A5 |
| 3rd Inversion | Gb4 – A4 – C5 – E4 |
Key Signature
The key of Gb Half Diminished has 6 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-d5-m7
Intervals: P1-m3-d5-m7
The Gb 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.
Gb Half Diminished — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Gb Half Diminished chord?
Gbm7b5 contains: Gb, Bbb, Dbb, Fb. Enharmonic of F#m7b5.
How does Gbm7b5 differ from Gbdim7?
Minor seventh vs diminished seventh.
How is Gbm7b5 used?
F#m7b5 more commonly written.
What songs use Half Diminished?
Jazz minor-key harmony.
How does Gbm7b5 differ from Gbm7?
Flatted fifth.
Is Gbm7b5 the same as Bbbm6?
Same notes, different root.
Practice Tips
- Gbm7b5 and F#m7b5 enharmonic.
- Translate to F#m7b5.
- Compare with Gbdim7.
- Jazz vocabulary.
- The flatted fifth creates tension.
- Enharmonic fluency.