Eb Diminished Seventh Chord

Chord Tones: Eb Diminished Seventh Chord

Symbol: dim7, °7 — Formula: 1-♭3-♭5-𝄫7

DegreeNoteFrequency (A=440, Equal)
1 Eb 311.127 Hz
♭3 Gb 369.994 Hz
♭5 A 440.000 Hz
𝄫7 C 261.626 Hz

Chord Notation

Notation TypeSymbol / Value
Lead Sheet SymbolEbdim7
All Common Symbolsdim7, °7
Interval Formula1-♭3-♭5-𝄫7
Harmonic Categorytense

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

InversionNotes (low to high)Bass NoteSlash Notation
Root Position Eb Gb A C Eb Eb Diminished Seventh Chord
First Inversion Gb A C Eb Gb Eb Diminished Seventh Chord/Gb
Second Inversion A C Eb Gb A Eb Diminished Seventh Chord/A
Third Inversion C Eb Gb A C Eb Diminished Seventh Chord/C

Harmonic Function

The Eb diminished seventh chord commonly functions as the mediant (♭III) in C minor or subdominant in B♭ major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides extended harmonic tension.

The diminished seventh chord consists of four equally-spaced minor thirds, creating a symmetrical, highly dissonant chord. It is used as a dramatic pivot chord and in chromatic passing harmony.

Common Progressions

The Eb Diminished Seventh Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

Songs Featuring the Diminished Seventh Chord

Well-known songs where the Eb Diminished Seventh Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

NoteEqual Temp.PythagoreanJust Intonation
Eb 311.127 Hz 309.026 Hz 313.951 Hz
Gb 369.994 Hz 371.251 Hz 367.911 Hz
A 440.000 Hz 440.000 Hz 436.043 Hz
C 261.626 Hz 260.740 Hz 261.626 Hz

Scales Containing the Eb Diminished Seventh Chord

These scales include the Eb Diminished Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: