Chord Information
Learn how to play Am7b5 on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): A4 - C5 - Eb5 - G5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the Am7b5 chord
About the Am7b5 Chord
The Am7b5 chord (Aø7) is one of jazz's most frequently encountered half-diminished chords. Built from A-C-Eb-G, this chord functions as ii in G minor—a common key in jazz standards. Its dark sophistication appears in countless tunes.
What makes Am7b5 particularly common is G minor's prevalence in jazz. Many standards feature G minor sections, making Am7b5-D7-Gm one of the most-played minor ii-V-i progressions.
On piano, Am7b5 combines A and G (white) with C and Eb (black). This accessible voicing makes the chord comfortable to play.
Music Theory & Usage
Am7b5 functions as ii in G minor, where it leads Am7b5-D7-Gm. In Bb major, it serves as vii. The chord appears throughout jazz standards with G minor sections.
The half-diminished sound is essential vocabulary for any jazz pianist working with minor-key harmony.
Famous Songs Using Am7b5
Hear how professional musicians use the Am7b5 chord in these well-known songs:
“Yesterdays”
by Jerome Kern
Uses Am7b5 prominently
“What Is This Thing Called Love?”
by Cole Porter
Features half-diminished chords
“Night and Day”
by Cole Porter
Contains Am7b5 in minor sections
“Just Friends”
by John Klenner
Uses m7b5 voicings
How to Play Am7b5 on Piano
- Place your thumb on A.
- Place your index finger on C.
- Place your middle finger on Eb.
- Place your pinky finger on G.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the Am7b5 chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-2-3-5 (right hand)
Am7b5 Chord Inversions
The Am7b5 chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
A - C - Eb - G (bass note: A)
First Inversion
C - Eb - G - A (bass note: C)
Second Inversion
Eb - G - A - C (bass note: Eb)
Common Chord Progressions Using Am7b5
ii-V-I Jazz Progression
Common chord progression
I-vi-ii-V Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for Am7b5
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between Am7b5 and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- Listen carefully to how the seventh interval creates tension and color in the chord.
- Practice resolving this chord to its natural target chords in progressions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Am7b5
What notes are in Am7b5?
Am7b5 contains A (root), C (minor 3rd), Eb (diminished 5th), and G (minor 7th). A and G are white; C is white; Eb is black.
What key is Am7b5 the ii chord of?
Am7b5 is the ii chord in G minor. The progression Am7b5-D7-Gm is the minor ii-V-i in G—extremely common in jazz.
How does Am7b5 voice-lead to D7?
A moves to A or F#, C moves to C, Eb moves to D, G stays or moves. The Eb-to-D resolution is particularly important—the b5 resolving down to the 3rd of D7.
Why is Am7b5 so common?
G minor appears frequently in jazz standards, and Am7b5 is its ii chord. The minor ii-V-i in G (Am7b5-D7-Gm) shows up constantly. It's essential vocabulary.