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G 7th flat 5 chord on bass (G7♭5)
Also called or written G7♭5, G, G Dominant 7th Flat 5 or G 7th ♭5
G 7th flat 5 contains G, B, D♭ and F. The 3rd-fret shape is low on the neck, where the frets are wider and the stretch is more demanding.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♭5, ♭7
How do you play a G 7th flat 5 chord on bass?
G 7th flat 5 is played at the 3rd fret as 3 4 3 4: index finger on the E string at fret 3, ring finger on the A string at fret 4, middle finger on the D string at fret 3 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 3 | D♭ (♭5) |
| 2 (D) | 3 | 2 | F (♭7) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 4 | B (3) |
AdvancedThe 3rd-fret shape requires the pinky to reach fret 4 on the 1st string while the index holds fret 3 on the 4th string, stretching the left hand.
G7♭5/D♭ inversion
G 7th flat 5 is played at the 9th fret as 9 10 9 10: index finger on the E string at fret 9, ring finger on the A string at fret 10, middle finger on the D string at fret 9 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9 | 1 | D♭ (♭5) |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 3 | G (1) |
| 2 (D) | 9 | 2 | B (3) |
| 1 (G) | 10 | 4 | F (♭7) |
Why it sounds like that
G 7th flat 5 is built from the formula 1, 3, ♭5, ♭7. The diminished 5th between G and D♭ gives the chord its tense colour. Compare it with G 7th, where the 5th is perfect.
What goes wrong with G 7th flat 5?
- Letting the pinky collapse on the 1st string, which mutes the F at fret 4.
- 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 G.
When to use it
G 7th flat 5 works as a dominant chord in jazz and blues, often resolving to C major or C minor. Use it over G 7th when the melody carries a ♭5. Its tense sound suits turnarounds and passing chords.
Changing to and from G 7th flat 5
- Move to F 7th flat 5 by sliding the shape down two frets to the 1st fret.
- Move to A♭ 7th flat 5 by sliding the shape up one fret to the 4th fret.
Which voicing to use
The 3rd-fret shape keeps G in the bass for a root-position sound. The G7♭5/D♭ inversion at fret 9 puts the ♭5 in the bass, creating a darker, less stable feel.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G 7th flat 5 written?
G 7th flat 5 is written G7♭5 or G. The symbol G is also used, and the chord is sometimes called Dominant 7th Flat 5.
What is the difference between G7♭5 and G7?
G7♭5 has a diminished 5th (D♭) instead of the perfect 5th (D) in G7. That one note changes the chord from bluesy to tense and unresolved.
Can G7♭5 be used in place of G7?
G7♭5 can replace G7 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.