E half-diminished seventh chord is a complex and introspective harmony consisting of the notes E, G, B♭, and D, built from a diminished triad with the addition of a minor seventh. This combination creates a sound that is both tense and subtle, offering a sense of unresolved mystery without the full dissonance of a fully diminished seventh chord. The E half-diminished seventh chord is frequently used in jazz, classical, and contemporary music to introduce nuanced tension, enrich harmonic progressions, and provide a sophisticated, emotionally expressive quality to the music.
Name: E half-diminished seventh chord
Symnonyms:: E half-diminished chord, E minor seventh flat five chord
Notes: E, G, B♭, D
Intervals: 1, ♭3, ♭5, ♭7
Chord symbol: Em7(♭5)
Alternative symbols: Eø, Eø7, Em7♭5, E–7(♭5), Emi7(♭5), EminEmin
Type: Tetrad (four-note chord)
E half-diminished seventh chord on the Staff
E half-diminished seventh chord on Piano
E half-diminished seventh chord on Guitar
E 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.