Music theory definition
Diminished seventh
A diminished triad plus a diminished 7th (°7) - four notes, all a minor 3rd apart.
Hear an example
Play the example and listen for the idea described above.
Four-note chords
Add one more 3rd → .
Learn it in context
This term is introduced in Unit 11: Seventh chords. Work through the explanations and exercises to connect the definition with music.
- Adding the seventh
One more 3rd on top of a triad.
Related music terms
- Seventh chord
- A triad with a fourth note a 7th above the root.
- Dominant seventh
- A major triad plus a minor 7th, like G7. It drives strongly to I.
- Half-diminished seventh
- A diminished triad plus a minor 7th (ø7), like Bø7.