G#dim(maj7)

G# Diminished major 7

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

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

Chord notes

1G#root
b3Bminor 3rd
b5Ddim 5th
7Gmajor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
4C#
b5D
resolves inward to the 4th
7G
1G#
resolves up to the root
Main resolution
G#dim(maj7)source
D#D# 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
G#dim(maj7)source
Deceptive resolution
FmF Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
G#dim(maj7)source
Modal resolution
F#F# Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
G#dim(maj7)source
Jazz reharmonization
G#maj7G# 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).
G#dim(maj7)source
Functional resolution
D#D# 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

v1G#(G#4)Bass
root
v2B(B4)m3from G#
v3D(D5)m3from B
v4G(G5)P4from D

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

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

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmAbmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
4 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db)

Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions