Cdim(maj7)

General info

Full name

C Diminished major 7

Symbol

Cdim(maj7)

Root

C

Quality

Diminished major 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

FF MajorGG MajorAmA Minor

Unstable degrees

4F

b5F#

resolves inward to the 4th

7B

1C

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

Cdim(maj7)source

GG Major

Major chord C is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.

Other resolutions

Cdim(maj7)source

Deceptive resolution

AmA Minor

As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).

Cdim(maj7)source

Modal resolution

A#A# Major

In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.

Cdim(maj7)source

Jazz reharmonization

Cmaj7C Major 7

In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).

Cdim(maj7)source

Functional resolution

GG Major

As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character

Diminished, with a major 7th

Characteristic interval

Minor 3rd (m3), Diminished 5th (b5), Major 7th (M7)

Description

The minor 3rd and diminished 5th form a diminished triad, while the major 7th adds semitone tension toward the octave. Two independent dissonances make the chord sharply unstable.

Application

• Chromatic harmony
• Rare passing sonorities
• Modern classical and jazz music

Voicing & structure

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.