Dbm7b5

General info

Full name

Db Half-dim 7

Symbol

Dbm7b5

Root

Db

Quality

Half-dim 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

vii°Leading tone (vii°)D major

Stability / tension

High tension — pulls toward the dominant

Most common resolutions

Gb7Gb Dominant 7BmB Minor

Unstable degrees

2Eb

b3E

resolves down to the 2nd

4Gb

b5G

resolves inward to the 4th

4Gb

b7B

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Dbm7b5source

Gb7Gb Dominant 7

Half-diminished Dbm7b5 typically acts as ii in minor, resolving to the dominant (Gb7), which then leads to the tonic.

Other resolutions

Dbm7b5source

Deceptive resolution

BmB Minor

The half-diminished chord can bypass the dominant and resolve directly to the minor tonic — a plagal turn in minor.

Dbm7b5source

No resolution needed

In the Locrian mode, a half-diminished chord can function as the tonic, requiring no resolution.

Dbm7b5source

Jazz reharmonization

Em6E Minor 6

In jazz, ø7 is common in ii-V-i progressions but can be substituted with iv6, sharing the same notes.

Dbm7b5source

Functional resolution

AA 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

Harmony

Harmonic context

viim7b5D majorDominantiim7b5B minorPredominantvim7b5E DorianToniciiim7b5A MixolydianTonic

Compatible scales

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