Which notes are in the C#7♭5 chord?

C#7♭5 contains the notes C#, F, G and B. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – ♭5 – ♭7.

Are C#7♭5 and Db7♭5 the same chord?

Yes. C#7♭5 and Db7♭5 are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.

C# dominant 7th flat 5 · Piano

C#7♭5 Chord on Piano

The C#7♭5 chord (C# dominant 7th flat 5) is built from the notes C#, F, G and B. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press. The same chord is also written Db7♭5; both spellings sound identical.

Chord diagrams

C#7♭5

Notes in this chord

C♯
F
G
B

Degrees: 1 – 3 – ♭5 – ♭7

Also written: Db7♭5

How to play

To play C#7♭5 on piano, press C#, F, G and B together. In root position the lowest note is C#, and the finger numbers follow the keys left to right in the diagram.

Theory behind the chord

The 7♭5 chord lowers the fifth of a dominant seventh, thinning out the chord and sharpening its tension. It shows up in jazz and in altered dominant sounds heading towards a resolution. On C#7♭5 this structure sits on the root C#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – ♭5 – ♭7 map onto C#, F, G and B.

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the C#7♭5 chord?: C#7♭5 contains the notes C#, F, G and B. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – ♭5 – ♭7.
Are C#7♭5 and Db7♭5 the same chord?: Yes. C#7♭5 and Db7♭5 are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.

Practise C#7♭5 on your phone

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