Fm7b5 Half-Diminished 7th Chord

The F Half-Diminished 7th chord contains: F, G#, B, D#.

These notes are derived by applying the half-diminished 7th interval formula (0–3–6–10 semitones) to the root note F.

Diminished triad with a minor seventh.

Common in jazz as the ii chord in minor keys. The Fm7b5 chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of F major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.

On piano, play F, G#, B, D# simultaneously.

In root position, F is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has G# lowest, second inversion has B lowest.

A half-diminished 7th chord has 4 notes: F, G#, B, D# (in F).

It is a 7th chord, extending beyond the basic triad.

The F major chord (F–A–C) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound.

The F minor chord (F–G#–C) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.

Fm7b5 naturally serves as the I chord in the key of F major.

It also appears as IV in the key of C major, and as V in the key of A# major.

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Fm7b5 chord notes (F, G#, B, D#) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.

In the key of F major, Fm7b5 pairs naturally with A# major (IV), C major (V), and Dm (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (Fm7b5–A#–C) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

An inversion places a non-root note in the bass.

Fm7b5 root position: F in bass. First inversion: G# in bass. Second inversion: B in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.

Remember the formula: 0–3–6–10 semitones from root.

For Fm7b5: start on F, add 3 semitones, then 6 semitones, then 10 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any half-diminished 7th chord.