Finger Positions

Root Note C

Name C over A

Intervals 1P-3M-5d-7m

Relative Minor Am

Notes A, C, E, Gb, Bb

Aliases C7b5

How to play the C7b5/A Chord

The C7b5/A is a fundamental dominant chord in guitar music. To play this chord correctly, ensure your fingers are placed precisely on the frets indicated in the diagram above.

Music Theory Analysis

From a theoretical perspective, the C over A is built using the 1P, 3M, 5d, 7m intervals. In the key of C Major, this chord functions as the I chord.

Common Progressions

In music composition, the C7b5/A chord is often used to create tension or resolution.

I-V-vi-IV

C → G → Am → F

vi-IV-I-V

Am → F → C → G

The Diatonic Family

Understanding the "family" of chords that belong to C helps with transposition and ear training.

Triads

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim

7ths

Cmaj7 Dm7 Em7 Fmaj7 G7 Am7 Bm7b5

Scale Compatibility

View All Scales

Neopolitan Major Pentatonic Whole Tone Pentatonic Lydian Dominant Pentatonic Super Locrian Pentatonic Prometheus Neopolitan Prometheus Mystery #1 Whole Tone Locrian Major Altered Lydian Dominant Leading Whole Tone Lydian Minor Hungarian Major Oriental

* 15 scales found containing the notes A, C, E, Gb, Bb.

Acoustic & Digital Analysis

Digital footprint of the C7b5/A chord for MIDI programming and synthesizer sound design.

MIDI Numbers 69, 60, 64, 66, 70

Frequencies (Hz)

440, 261.6255653005986, 329.6275569128699, 369.9944227116344, 466.1637615180899