The B-sharp half-diminished seventh chord is a tense and complex chord consisting of the notes B♯, D♯, F♯, and A♯. Built on a diminished triad with an added minor seventh, it produces a distinctive sound that is less harsh than a fully diminished seventh while still carrying a strong sense of instability and suspense. The B♯ establishes the root, the D♯ introduces the minor third that defines its darker character, the F♯ provides the diminished fifth that creates dissonance, and the A♯ adds the minor seventh, softening the tension and giving the chord more versatility. The B-sharp half-diminished seventh chord is often used in jazz and classical music to create smooth yet dramatic transitions, offering both tension and subtle resolution within harmonic progressions.
Name: B-sharp half-diminished seventh chord
Symnonyms:: B-sharp half-diminished chord, B-sharp minor seventh flat five chord
Notes: B♯, D♯, F♯, A♯
Intervals: 1, ♭3, ♭5, ♭7
Chord symbol: B♯m7(♭5)
Alternative symbols: B♯ø, B♯ø7, B♯m7♭5, B♯–7(♭5), B♯mi7(♭5), B♯min7(♭5)
Type: Tetrad (four-note chord)
B-sharp half-diminished seventh chord on the Staff
B-sharp half-diminished seventh chord on Piano
B-sharp half-diminished seventh chord on Guitar
B-sharp half-diminished seventh chord on Ukulele
Rowan Ellis is a musician and educator with a passion for exploring the language of harmony and melody. With years of experience across classical, jazz, and contemporary styles, Rowan breaks down music theory into clear, practical insights. His goal is to make chords and scales less intimidating and more inspiring for every musician.