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?
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.