F#dim(maj7)

F# Diminished major 7

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
F# Diminished major 7
Symbol
F#dim(maj7)
Root
F#
Quality
Diminished major 7

Chord notes

1F#root
b3Aminor 3rd
b5Cdim 5th
7E#major 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key
vii°Leading tone (vii°)G major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
4B
b5C
resolves inward to the 4th
7F
1F#
resolves up to the root
Main resolution
F#dim(maj7)source
C#C# 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
F#dim(maj7)source
Deceptive resolution
D#mD# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
F#dim(maj7)source
Modal resolution
EE Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
F#dim(maj7)source
Jazz reharmonization
F#maj7F# 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).
F#dim(maj7)source
Functional resolution
C#C# 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

Root position

v1F#(F#4)Bass
root
v2A(A4)m3from F#
v3C(C5)m3from A
v4E#(E#5)P4from C

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how F#dim(maj7) looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmF#major
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
6 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#)

Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions