Fm7b5 chord

F half-diminished. 2 shapes on the neck below, with the notes it's built from and the keys it belongs to.

Notes

  • F
    1
  • Ab
    b3
  • Cb
    b5
  • Eb
    b7

The minor third is what makes it sound sad or dark.

The diminished fifth adds tension that wants to move somewhere.

The minor seventh adds a bluesy edge and leaves the chord sounding unfinished.

How to play Fm7b5

Founding players

Want to know why this chord works where it does? The Intermediate lessons cover it, and founding players get them first.

One email to confirm, then an occasional note when lessons ship.

Keys with Fm7b5

Fm7b5 uses only notes from Eb minor and F# major. It sounds most at home in Eb minor.