Gbm7b5

General info

Full name

Gb Half-dim 7

Symbol

Gbm7b5

Root

Gb

Quality

Half-dim 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

vii°Leading tone (vii°)G major

Stability / tension

High tension — pulls toward the dominant

Most common resolutions

B7B Dominant 7EmE Minor

Unstable degrees

2Ab

b3A

resolves down to the 2nd

4B

b5C

resolves inward to the 4th

4B

b7E

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Gbm7b5source

B7B Dominant 7

Half-diminished Gbm7b5 typically acts as ii in minor, resolving to the dominant (B7), which then leads to the tonic.

Other resolutions

Gbm7b5source

Deceptive resolution

EmE Minor

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

Gbm7b5source

No resolution needed

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

Gbm7b5source

Jazz reharmonization

Am6A Minor 6

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

Gbm7b5source

Functional resolution

DD 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

viim7b5G majorDominantiim7b5E minorPredominantvim7b5A DorianToniciiim7b5D MixolydianTonic

Compatible scales

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