Minor ii-V-i
Half-diminished and diminished sounds often set up a dominant chord resolving to minor.
Guitar chord companion
A Half-Diminished Chord
Learn the A Half-Diminished chord on guitar with chord tones, intervals, and interactive fretboard shapes.
1Ab3Cb5Ebb7G
Playable A Half-Diminished Chord voicings
Start with these chord-box shapes, then use the full fretboard below to see every chord tone.
A shape, open position
Low to high strings: x 0 1 0 1 x
G shape, fret 3
Low to high strings: 5 3 x x 4 3
E shape, fret 5
Low to high strings: 5 6 5 5 x x
D shape, fret 7
Low to high strings: x x 7 8 8 8
C shape, fret 12
Low to high strings: x 12 13 12 13 x
Full fretboard map
Every A Half-Diminished Chord chord tone across the neck, with roots highlighted for quick orientation.
Frets 0–24. Select a position or tap a note to hear it.
CAGED
Progression examples using A Half-Diminished
Try these progressions to hear the harmony in context. On bass, outline each chord with individual target tones.
Passing diminished motion
Use the tension as a connector between more stable harmony.
Chord Tones
| Degree | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | A |
| b3 | m3 | C |
| b5 | d5 | Eb |
| b7 | m7 | G |
Scales Containing the Complete Formula
Complete Formula
1 – b3 – b5 – b7
Compound degrees retain their names: 9, 11, and 13 are extensions. A voicing may place their pitches in a closer register.