Em7b5 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
E4 · G4 · Bb4 · D5
With bass · rootless
Left hand
Bb3 · D4 · G4
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 Em7b5 chord
Other names: E minor 7th flat 5, E half-diminished, Eø7, E m7♭5
Music theory name: half-diminished seventh chord
Common name: E half-diminished chord
Intervals and tones in Em7b5 chord
| Note | Interval |
|---|---|
| E | Root |
| G | Minor 3rd |
| B | Diminished 5th |
| D | Minor 7th |
Inversions
1st inversion
G4 · Bb4 · D5 · E5
2nd inversion
Bb4 · D5 · E5 · G5