C7b5

Q: What notes are in the C7b5 chord?

The C7b5 chord (C 7b5) contains: C, E, Gb, Bb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build C7b5 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 C7b5 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 C7b5?

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.

C 7b5

Octaves

Musical context

ChordC majorTriad

ChordC7b5C 7b5

ArpeggioC majorBroken triad

ScaleC major7 notes

KeyC majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: C 7b5
Symbol: C7b5
Root: C
Quality: 7b5

Chord notes

1Croot

3Emajor 3rd

b5Gbdim 5th

b7Bbminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: FF Major DmD Minor
Unstable degrees: 3E
4F
resolves up to the resolution tonic
4F
b5F#
resolves inward to the resolution tonic
6A
b7A#
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution: C7b5source
FF Major
Dominant 7th C7 naturally resolves up a 4th to F. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: C7b5source
Deceptive resolution
DmD Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
C7b5source
Modal resolution
A#A# Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
C7b5source
Jazz reharmonization
F#7F# Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: C7 can be replaced by F#7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
C7b5source
Functional resolution
Csus4C Sus4
The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: F#7F# Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, with a diminished 5th
Characteristic interval: Diminished 5th (b5), Minor 7th (b7)
Description: The diminished fifth replaces the perfect fifth, adding a tritone to the dominant tension. Sharper than a regular dom7.
Application: Tritone substitution
Jazz ii-V-I
Altered blues

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1C(C4)Bass

root

v2E(E4)M3from C

v3Gb(Gb4)M2from E

v4Bb(Bb4)M3from Gb

Harmony

Typical progressions: I-V-vi-IV
C—G—Am—F
Pop

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Whole tone scale ScaleE Whole tone scale ScaleF# Whole tone scale ScaleA# Whole tone scale ScaleD Whole tone scale ScaleG# Whole tone scale ScaleC Enigmatic scale ScaleC Altered (super Locrian)ScaleE Hungarian minor ScaleE Lydian augmented

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how C7b5 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: AmA minor
Dominant: GG major
Subdominant: FF major
Key signature: None

What to learn next

ScaleC Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

C Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

C Enigmatic scaleA scale related to this chord

C 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 C7b5 chord?

How do I build C7b5 on the keyboard?

Which keys is C7b5 found in?

What can I substitute for C7b5?