BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
381 / 18210 · Module 10 — Seventh Chords: The Language of Jazz, Pop, and Richer Harmony← prev⊞ allnext →

10.31Fully diminished seventh symmetry

Play:

B°7

Keyboard notes:

B D F A♭

B D F A♭

Look at the distances:

B → D = 3 semitones

D → F = 3

F → A♭ = 3

A♭ → B = 3

The chord divides the octave into four equal minor thirds.

That symmetry gives diminished seventh chords unusual properties.