Diminished Seventh Chords

Definition

Diminished seventh chords consist of four notes stacked in minor thirds, creating an unstable and dissonant sound. They are often used as passing or transitional chords in music.

Analogy

Imagine walking on thin ice that's cracking beneath your feet - that's what diminished seventh chords feel like! Just like how walking on thin ice makes you feel uneasy, diminished seventh chords create tension and instability in music.

Related terms

Augmented Triad: An augmented triad consists of three notes stacked two whole steps apart. It has an unsettling sound similar to diminished seventh chords.

Secondary Dominant Chord: A secondary dominant chord is a non-diatonic chord that functions as the dominant of another chord within a key. Diminished sevenths can be used as secondary dominants for added harmonic interest.

Enharmonic Equivalents: Enharmonic equivalents are different notations for the same pitch. Diminished seventh chords can have enharmonic equivalents, meaning they can be written in multiple ways while sounding the same.