You are given the third (in the bass) of a diminished seventh chord (m3 + d5 + d7 above the root), in first inversion. Your task is to place the other three notes of the chord on the staff: the fifth, seventh and root.
Structure of the diminished seventh chord
The diminished seventh chord is built on the seventh degree of the harmonic minor scale: three minor thirds stacked on top of each other (m3 + d5 + d7 above the root). It is symmetrical, and because its notes repeat every three half steps, it is a favorite chord for modulating.
| Position | Symbol / figured bass | Intervals above the bass |
|---|---|---|
| Root position | °7 | m3 + d5 + d7 |
| First inversion | 6/5 | m3 + d5 + M6 |
| Second inversion | 4/3 | m3 + A4 + M6 |
| Third inversion | 4/2 | A2 + A4 + M6 |
Exercise
How to use the exercise: Click (or drag) on the staff to place each note. If a note needs an accidental, choose it first with the accidental buttons (double flat, flat, natural, sharp, double sharp). Undo removes the last note and Clear restarts the exercise. The magnifier shows the note you are about to place at a larger size.
In every inversion the chord still contains the same four notes. If you get stuck, find the interval of a second (or its inversion, a seventh) among the notes: the root is the upper note of that second when the chord is written in close position.
Other positions of the diminished seventh chord: root position, second inversion, third inversion, all positions mixed. You can also practice recognizing them (together with Dominant seventh and Half-diminished (leading-tone) seventh chords in the same position) or review the theory on the diminished seventh chord page.
Printable worksheet (PDF)
The same exercise on paper, for class: 21 chords of the diminished seventh, with the lowest note given, on one side of A4. The student writes the other three. With a separate answer sheet.
Download the worksheet (PDF, A4) Answers
You may print and photocopy it freely for the classroom.
More worksheets
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