Gmaj7b5

Q: What notes are in the Gmaj7b5 chord?

The Gmaj7b5 chord (G Major 7b5) contains: G, B, Db, F#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Gmaj7b5 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 Gmaj7b5 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 Gmaj7b5?

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 Major 7b5

Octaves

Musical context

ChordG majorTriad

ChordGmaj7b5G Major 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 Major 7b5
Symbol: Gmaj7b5
Root: G
Quality: Major 7b5

Chord notes

1Groot

3Bmajor 3rd

b5Dbdim 5th

7F#major 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: IVSubdominant (IV)D major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: CC Major DD Major EmE Minor
Unstable degrees: 4C
b5C#
resolves inward to the 4th
7F#
1G
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Gmaj7b5source
DD Major
Major chord G is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Gmaj7b5source
Deceptive resolution
EmE Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Gmaj7b5source
Modal resolution
FF Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Gmaj7b5source
Jazz reharmonization
Gmaj7G 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).
Gmaj7b5source
Functional resolution
DD Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with major 7th and diminished 5th
Characteristic interval: Diminished 5th (b5), Major 7th (M7)
Description: The major 3rd preserves major quality, while the diminished 5th and major 7th create two directed dissonances.
Application: Lydian mode
Contemporary jazz
Experimental harmony