D half-diminished 7th chord on piano
Dm7♭5 is a half-diminished 7th chord built on D. It uses the notes D - F - A♭ - C and sounds moody and searching; it often leads to a dominant chord.
- Notes
- D F A♭ C
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - ♭7
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Dm7♭5
How to play Dm7♭5 step by step
- Find D. D is the white key between the two black keys.
- Add F, 3 half steps above D.
- Add A♭, 6 half steps above D.
- Add C, 10 half steps above D.
- Press all 4 keys together with fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
Dm7♭5 inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D half-diminished 7th chord?
The D half-diminished 7th chord (Dm7♭5) contains 4 notes: D, F, A♭, C. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - ♭7.
How do you play Dm7♭5 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on D and play D, F, A♭, C together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.