Chord
G Diminished 7 Chord
Interactive keyboard
Highlighted notes form this chord.
Notes
G · B♭ · D♭ · F♭
Root: G
Intervals
1 · ♭3 · ♭5 · 𝄫7
How it is built
This chord starts on G and applies the intervals 1, ♭3, ♭5, 𝄫7. The result contains 4 distinct pitch classes per octave.
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Guide and musical context
About G Diminished 7 Chord
G Diminished 7 Chord contains G, B♭, D♭, F♭. Its sound is highly tense, symmetrical and ambiguous.
Character and sound
Highly tense, symmetrical and ambiguous.
Musical context and history
The diminished seventh stacks minor thirds and divides the octave symmetrically. It became especially useful in classical and Romantic harmony because it can be reinterpreted and resolve in several directions, and it remains common in jazz.
How and where it is used
It is effective for modulation, chromatic passing motion and dramatic resolutions.
In Theory view you can hear the pitch collection without depending on a specific fingering. Then switch to Piano, Guitar, Ukulele or Mandolin to see how the same notes are physically distributed on each instrument.
Harmonic and musical relationships
Compare this chord with other variants sharing the root G. Changing a single third, fifth, seventh or extension makes it easy to hear which interval defines the chord’s character.
The formula on this page is 1 · ♭3 · ♭5 · 𝄫7 and, from G, produces the notes G · B♭ · D♭ · F♭.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the G Diminished 7 Chord?
The notes are G, B♭, D♭, F♭.
What is its interval formula?
The formula is 1 · ♭3 · ♭5 · 𝄫7.
How does it sound and what is it used for?
Highly tense, symmetrical and ambiguous. It is effective for modulation, chromatic passing motion and dramatic resolutions.
Can I view it on a specific instrument?
Yes. Use the selector near the top to switch between Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Mandolin without changing the musical combination you are studying.