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A 7th flat 5 chord on bass (A7♭5)
Also called or written A7♭5, A, A Dominant 7th Flat 5 or A 7th ♭5
A 7th flat 5 contains A, C♯, E♭ and G. The 5th-fret shape demands a four-finger stretch across two frets, so it suits players with an established left-hand span.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♭5, ♭7
- Root positionA–C♯–E♭–GA7♭55-6-5-6
- First inversionC♯–E♭–G–AA7♭5/C♯no shape on this instrument
- Second inversionE♭–G–A–C♯A7♭5/E♭11-12-11-12
- Third inversionG–A–C♯–E♭A7♭5/Gno shape on this instrument
How do you play an A 7th flat 5 chord on bass?
A 7th flat 5 is played at the 5th fret as 5 6 5 6: index finger on the E string at fret 5, ring finger on the A string at fret 6, middle finger on the D string at fret 5 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (1) |
| 3 (A) | 6 | 3 | E♭ (♭5) |
| 2 (D) | 5 | 2 | G (♭7) |
| 1 (G) | 6 | 4 | C♯ (3) |
AdvancedThe 5th-fret shape requires the pinky to reach fret 6 on the 1st string while the index holds fret 5 on the 4th string, stretching the left hand.
A7♭5/E♭ inversion
A 7th flat 5 is played at the 11th fret as 11 12 11 12: index finger on the E string at fret 11, ring finger on the A string at fret 12, middle finger on the D string at fret 11 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 12.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11 | 1 | E♭ (♭5) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 3 | A (1) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 2 | C♯ (3) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 4 | G (♭7) |
Why it sounds like that
A 7th flat 5 is built from the formula 1, 3, ♭5, ♭7. The diminished 5th between A and E♭ gives the chord its tense colour. Compare it with A 7th, where the 5th is perfect.
What goes wrong with A 7th flat 5?
- Letting the pinky collapse on the 1st string, which mutes the G at fret 6.
- Pressing the ring finger too flat on the 3rd string, so it deadens the 2nd string next to it.
- Striking the open 5th string, which is not part of the chord and adds an unwanted A.
When to use it
A 7th flat 5 works as a dominant chord in jazz and blues, often resolving to D major or D minor. Use it over A 7th when the melody carries a ♭5. Its tense sound suits turnarounds and passing chords.
Changing to and from A 7th flat 5
- Move to G 7th flat 5 by sliding the shape down two frets to the 3rd fret.
- Move to B♭ 7th flat 5 by sliding the shape up one fret to the 6th fret.
Which voicing to use
The 5th-fret shape keeps A in the bass for a root-position sound. The A7♭5/E♭ inversion at fret 11 puts the ♭5 in the bass, creating a darker, less stable feel.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A 7th flat 5 written?
A 7th flat 5 is written A7♭5 or A. The symbol A is also used, and the chord is sometimes called Dominant 7th Flat 5.
What is the difference between A7♭5 and A7?
A7♭5 has a diminished 5th (E♭) instead of the perfect 5th (E) in A7. That one note changes the chord from bluesy to tense and unresolved.
Can A7♭5 be used in place of A7?
A7♭5 can replace A7 when the melody or solo uses the ♭5. In a standard blues, the ♭5 may clash with the expected perfect 5th, so use it selectively.