LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Naming Chords

Clenn3 -- 10/16/2006, 18:35:16 -- #30501

I am writing a lead sheet for a chorus and I cannot figure out what to name this chord.  Can anyone help me out there?  A#C#EG in the right hand and the left hand is playing a C#.

Mike -- 10/16/2006, 18:48:15 -- #30501

there are several possabilities;  In order of likelyhood (this order is my opinion only... What the chord really is depends on its context) C# dim 7 E dim 7/ C# G dim 7/ C# Bb dim 7 / C# Eb7b9/c# #Gb7b9/c# A7b9/c# c7b9/c#

Mike -- 10/16/2006, 21:16:09 -- #30501

#Gb7b9/c#   should be   Gb7b9/c#

Scot -- 10/17/2006, 00:32:12 -- #30501

I'd call it a C# diminished chord.

Mike -- 10/17/2006, 17:12:06 -- #30501

what about the A# Scot? he says it has an A#.

jwv76 -- 10/17/2006, 17:48:08 -- #30501

it's just C# dim 7, the C# in the bass clearly makes it a C# dim chord and not one of the other three dim chords in the same family. If the C# weren't in the bass it would be more ambiguous, but it is, so it isn't.

Jazz+ -- 10/17/2006, 18:22:21 -- #30501

What chords come before it and after it? Naming it in a way that makes sense is dependant on the context of the surrounding chord progression.

wdennissorrell -- 10/17/2006, 19:02:15 -- #30501

Isn't it a minor third between the notes listed and if I am not mistaken that makes it an A# dim, a C# dim, an E dim and also a G dim, or am I thinking toward or perhaps my lucidity is whacked just a little. Dammit where's 7, I am confident he or Albetan can put this to rest. But that is my opinion and it is worth exactly what you have paid for it. Peace out!

7 -- 10/17/2006, 22:56:38 -- #30501

In general, diminished chords are named by the lowest note (it makes the bass player's job a lot easier). As such I would call it a C#dim7.

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