Fdim(maj7)

General info

Full name

F Diminished major 7

Symbol

Fdim(maj7)

Root

F

Quality

Diminished major 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

BbBb MajorCC MajorDmD Minor

Unstable degrees

4Bb

b5B

resolves inward to the 4th

7E

1F

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

Fdim(maj7)source

CC Major

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

Other resolutions

Fdim(maj7)source

Deceptive resolution

DmD Minor

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

Fdim(maj7)source

Modal resolution

EbEb Major

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

Fdim(maj7)source

Jazz reharmonization

Fmaj7F 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).

Fdim(maj7)source

Functional resolution

CC 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

Compatible scales

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