F#m7b5 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
F#4 · A4 · C5 · E5
With bass · rootless
Left hand
C3 · E3 · A3
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 F#m7b5 chord
Other names: F# minor 7th flat 5, F# half-diminished, F#ø7, F# m7♭5
Music theory name: half-diminished seventh chord
Common name: F# half-diminished chord
Intervals and tones in F#m7b5 chord
| Note | Interval |
|---|---|
| F# | Root |
| A | Minor 3rd |
| C | Diminished 5th |
| E | Minor 7th |
Inversions
1st inversion
A4 · C5 · E5 · F#5
2nd inversion
C5 · E5 · F#5 · A5