G7b5

Q: What notes are in the G7b5 chord?

The G7b5 chord (G 7b5) contains: G, B, Db, F. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build G7b5 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 G7b5 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 G7b5?

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.

G 7b5

Octaves

Musical context

ChordG majorTriad

ChordG7b5G 7b5

ArpeggioG majorBroken triad

ScaleG major7 notes

KeyG majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: G 7b5
Symbol: G7b5
Root: G
Quality: 7b5

Chord notes

1Groot

3Bmajor 3rd

b5Dbdim 5th

b7Fminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: CC Major AmA Minor
Unstable degrees: 3B
4C
resolves up to the resolution tonic
4C
b5C#
resolves inward to the resolution tonic
6E
b7F
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution: G7b5source
CC Major
Dominant 7th G7 naturally resolves up a 4th to C. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: G7b5source
Deceptive resolution
AmA Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
G7b5source
Modal resolution
FF Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
G7b5source
Jazz reharmonization
C#7C# Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: G7 can be replaced by C#7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
G7b5source
Functional resolution
Gsus4G 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: C#7C# 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

v1G(G4)Bass

root

v2B(B4)M3from G

v3Db(Db5)M2from B

v4F(F5)M3from Db

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how G7b5 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: EmE minor
Dominant: DD major
Subdominant: CC major
Key signature: 1 sharp (F#)

What to learn next

ScaleG 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

G Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

G Enigmatic scaleA scale related to this chord

G Altered (super Locrian)A scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the G7b5 chord?

How do I build G7b5 on the keyboard?

Which keys is G7b5 found in?

What can I substitute for G7b5?