1
Root
Names the chord.
m7b5 guitar chords
Use the half-diminished chord as a clear minor-key predominant.
The m7b5 or half-diminished chord has the formula 1–b3–b5–b7. In jazz it commonly appears as iiø7 leading to V7 in a minor key.
m7b5 guitar chordhalf diminished guitar chordminor 7 flat 5 guitariiø7 guitarm7b5 jazz guitar
Formula
Build the quality from intervals.
Flatten the third, fifth and seventh relative to a major scale root.
b3
Minor third
Creates minor quality.
b5
Diminished fifth
Gives the chord its unstable color.
b7
Minor seventh
Completes the half-diminished seventh structure.
Function
Use m7b5 as iiø in minor.
The chord prepares a dominant that resolves to a minor tonic.
iiø7
Predominant
Leads strongly into V7.
V7
Dominant
Often takes added tension in minor-key jazz.
i
Minor tonic
Receives the resolution.
Voicings
Keep the b5 and guide tones clear.
Compact shapes make the function easy to hear.
Shell + b5
Essential color
Preserve the interval that distinguishes m7b5 from m7.
Drop 2
Full four-note
Useful for inversion practice.
Rootless context
Upper structure
Possible when bass establishes the root.
FAQ
Quick answers about m7b5 guitar chord.
Use these answers as a reference, then explore the relationships interactively.
What is m7b5?
A minor seventh flat five chord, also called half-diminished, with the formula 1–b3–b5–b7.
Where is m7b5 used in jazz?
Most commonly as the iiø7 chord in a minor ii–V–i progression.
Is m7b5 the same as diminished 7?
No. m7b5 has a minor seventh, while diminished 7 has a diminished seventh.
ChordRevelation
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