Dm7b5 Piano Chord
A key chord of minor jazz. Naturally occurs as the II degree in minor keys (in ii–V–i progressions). Less tense than the fully diminished seventh chord.
Recommended voicing
D4 · F4 · Ab4 · C5
With bass · rootless
Left hand
Ab3 · C4 · F4
fingers 5–3–1
Right hand
Free
melody / improvisation
Jazz accompaniment with a bass player: the bass supplies the root, leaving the right hand free for melody or improvisation.
Notation for Dm7b5 chord
Other names: D minor 7th flat 5, D half-diminished, Dø7, D m7♭5
Music theory name: half-diminished seventh chord
Common name: D half-diminished chord
Intervals and tones in Dm7b5 chord
| Note | Interval |
|---|---|
| D | Root |
| F | Minor 3rd |
| Ab | Diminished 5th |
| C | Minor 7th |
Inversions
1st inversion
F4 · Ab4 · C5 · D5
2nd inversion
Ab4 · C5 · D5 · F5