The G♯ Half Diminished chord is a four-note chord made up of G♯, B, D, and F♯. It is built from a root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh.
Construction
G♯ Half Diminished = Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th + Minor 7th = G♯ · B · D · F♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| G♯ | Root | 1 |
| B | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| D | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
| F♯ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
G♯ Half Diminished Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | G♯ – B – D – F♯ |
| 1st Inversion | B – D – F♯ – G♯ |
| 2nd Inversion | D – F♯ – G♯ – B |
| 3rd Inversion | F♯ – G♯ – B – D |
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 G♯ 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 G♯ Half Diminished sits diatonically across the common keys:
- In A major, G♯ Half Diminished is the vii° chord — the dominant.
- In F♯ minor, G♯ Half Diminished is the ii° chord — a predominant.
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes G♯ – B – D – F♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
G♯ Half Diminished — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G♯ Half Diminished chord on piano?
The G♯ Half Diminished chord contains the notes G♯ – B – D – F♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the G# Half Diminished chord?
G# Half Diminished is built from the G# root. Check the interactive keyboard above for exact notes and fingering.
How is the G# Half Diminished chord used in music?
G# Half Diminished appears in jazz, pop, and classical contexts. Its sound depends on the chord quality (Half Diminished).
What is the fingering for G# Half Diminished?
See the fingering chart above. Right hand typically uses thumb on root. Left hand uses pinky on root.
What are the inversions of G# Half Diminished?
Use the inversion buttons above to see each inversion with notes, fingering, and staff notation.
What is the ii-V-i progression with G# Half Diminished?
G# Half Diminished functions as the ii chord in minor-key jazz harmony, resolving through the V7 to the minor tonic.