Am7b5

Q: What notes are in the Am7b5 chord?

The Am7b5 chord (A Half-dim 7) contains: A, C, Eb, G. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Am7b5 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Am7b5 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Am7b5?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

A Half-dim 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordAdimTriad

ChordAm7b5A Half-dim 7

ArpeggioA minorBroken triad

ScaleA minor7 notes

KeyA minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: A Half-dim 7
Symbol: Am7b5
Root: A
Quality: Half-dim 7

Chord notes

1Aroot

b3Cminor 3rd

b5Ebdim 5th

b7Gminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: vii°Leading tone (vii°)Bb major
Stability / tension: High tension — pulls toward the dominant
Most common resolutions: D7D Dominant 7 GmG Minor
Unstable degrees: 2B
b3C
resolves down to the 2nd
4D
b5D#
resolves inward to the 4th
4D
b7G
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Am7b5source
D7D Dominant 7
Half-diminished Am7b5 typically acts as ii in minor, resolving to the dominant (D7), which then leads to the tonic.
Other resolutions: Am7b5source
Deceptive resolution
GmG Minor
The half-diminished chord can bypass the dominant and resolve directly to the minor tonic — a plagal turn in minor.
Am7b5source
No resolution needed
In the Locrian mode, a half-diminished chord can function as the tonic, requiring no resolution.
Am7b5source
Jazz reharmonization
Cm6C Minor 6
In jazz, ø7 is common in ii-V-i progressions but can be substituted with iv6, sharing the same notes.
Am7b5source
Functional resolution
FF Major
Besides moving to the dominant, the half-diminished chord can resolve to bVI — creating a Phrygian color.

Features

Character: Half-diminished, unstable
Characteristic interval: Diminished 5th (b5)
Description: The diminished fifth creates instability, the minor seventh softens it. Less tense than fully diminished.
Application: iiø7 in natural minor
Jazz ii–V in minor
Unstable predominant sonorities

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1A(A4)Bass

root

v2C(C5)m3from A

v3Eb(Eb5)m3from C

v4G(G5)M3from Eb

Harmony

Harmonic context: viim7b5Bb majorDominant iim7b5G minorPredominant vim7b5C DorianTonic iiim7b5F MixolydianTonic

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleC Akebono (Japanese)ScaleA Blues scale ScaleC Dorian ScaleC Melodic minor ScaleC Neapolitan major ScaleC Romanian minor ScaleC Ukrainian Dorian ScaleD# Lydian ScaleD# Lydian augmented ScaleG Aeolian (natural minor)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Am7b5 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: F#mF# minor
Dominant: EE major
Subdominant: DD major
Key signature: 3 sharps (F#, C#, G#)

What to learn next

ScaleA LocrianScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

A LocrianA scale related to this chord

A Blues scaleA scale related to this chord

A Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

A Altered (super Locrian)A scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the Am7b5 chord?

How do I build Am7b5 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Am7b5 found in?

What can I substitute for Am7b5?