If we add the note A to our chord, we engineer an extension to our triad, which creates what we describe as a diminished 7th.

Step 7: So how can we use this unique talent in our songwriting? Let’s look at a simple, I – IV – ii – V chord progression in, say, F major. This translates to the chords F > Bb > Gm > C. Before any ...

A diminished 7th is built on the 7th note of the scale. There are three semitones between consecutive notes. In this example you will hear both the notes of the chord and the chord played separately.