Eb Diminished Seventh Chord
Chord Tones: Eb Diminished Seventh Chord
Symbol: dim7, °7 — Formula: 1-♭3-♭5-𝄫7
| Degree | Note | Frequency (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 Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Ebdim7 |
| All Common Symbols | dim7, °7 |
| Interval Formula | 1-♭3-♭5-𝄫7 |
| Harmonic Category | tense |
Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.
Inversions
| Inversion | Notes (low to high) | Bass Note | Slash 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):
vii°7-I#iv°7-V
Songs Featuring the Diminished Seventh Chord
Well-known songs where the Eb Diminished Seventh Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:
- While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Beatles
- Georgia on My Mind – Ray Charles
- Sophisticated Lady – Duke Ellington
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just 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: