E half-diminished 7th chord on piano
Em7♭5 is a half-diminished 7th chord built on E. It uses the notes E - G - B♭ - D and sounds moody and searching; it often leads to a dominant chord.
- Notes
- E G B♭ D
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - ♭7
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Em7♭5
How to play Em7♭5 step by step
- Find E. E is the white key just right of each group of two black keys.
- Add G, 3 half steps above E.
- Add B♭, 6 half steps above E.
- Add D, 10 half steps above E.
- 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.
Em7♭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 E half-diminished 7th chord?
The E half-diminished 7th chord (Em7♭5) contains 4 notes: E, G, B♭, D. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - ♭7.
How do you play Em7♭5 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on E and play E, G, B♭, D together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.