D half-diminished seventh chord
Dm7b5 · 4 notes · chord
A diminished triad with a minor seventh on top. It sits on the second degree of a minor key and opens the way to the next chord.
On the keyboard
| Notes | D · F · G# · C |
|---|---|
| Semitones | 0 · 3 · 6 · 10 |
| Chord symbol | Dm7b5 |
| Frequency | 293.66 Hz |
How to read this
- The notes come from how many semitones they sit above the root — major is 0·4·7, minor is 0·3·7.
- On the keyboard diagram the filled keys are the notes of the chord, lowest on the left.
- Press play and it sounds the real frequencies. The audio is generated in your browser; nothing is downloaded.
- Note names differ by country: German writes H for B, while Spanish and French say Do, Re, Mi.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What notes are in the D half-diminished seventh chord?
D · F · G# · C — 4 notes, sitting 0·3·6·10 semitones above the root. On a chart it is written Dm7b5.
Q. What does the D half-diminished seventh chord sound like?
A diminished triad with a minor seventh on top. It sits on the second degree of a minor key and opens the way to the next chord.
Q. What is the frequency of the lowest note?
Taking the lowest note in the fourth octave gives 293.66 Hz, in equal temperament with A4 at 440 Hz. An octave up doubles it.
Q. How do I move it to another root?
Keep the semitone spacing (0·3·6·10) and shift the root. The list below jumps straight to the same chord on the other eleven roots.
Q. How do I read the keyboard diagram?
The filled keys are the notes. Low notes are on the left, and the black keys carry the sharps and flats. Shapes that use only white keys are the easiest ones to try first.