Discover and Unleash Diminished Chords on the Piano: The 4 note “Devil’s Chord” and how to use it.
By Tom Donald, Founder of the London Contemporary School of Piano
Introduction
Diminished chords have long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, often referred to as the “Devil’s Chord” due to their dissonant and unsettling sound. Despite this ominous nickname, diminished chords are a staple in music composition and piano playing, offering a unique flavor that enriches harmonic progressions.
What Are Diminished Chords on the piano?
At their core, diminished chords are built by stacking minor third intervals. A basic diminished triad consists of a root note, a minor third, and a diminished fifth. This structure creates a tense and unresolved sound that begs for resolution, making it a powerful tool in music.
The Tritone: The Devil’s Interval
The tritone is an interval spanning three whole tones, also known as an augmented fourth or diminished fifth. Historically dubbed the “Devil’s Interval,” the tritone was considered highly dissonant and was often avoided in early Western music. Its tension and instability were thought to evoke the sinister or the supernatural.
Why Is the Tritone So Dissonant?
Unlike the perfect fifth, which is consonant and pleasing to the ear due to its presence in the natural overtone series, the tritone disrupts this harmony. The lack of consonance makes it stand out, creating a sense of unease and tension.
Historical Use of Diminished Chords
Contrary to popular belief, diminished chords were never banned from music. While they were associated with the devil and considered taboo in certain contexts, composers began to embrace them for their expressive potential.
J.S. Bach and the Normalisation of Diminished Chords
Johann Sebastian Bach was instrumental in incorporating diminished chords into Western music. A devout Lutheran, Bach utilized these chords to add emotional depth to his compositions. His innovative use paved the way for future composers to explore the diminished chord’s full potential.
Other Historical References
Composers like Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Liszt further exploited the diminished chord’s ability to modulate between keys and heighten drama. In Romantic music, it became a staple for expressing angst, tension, and passion. This was the golden era of Diminished Chords on the piano.
Finding and Practicing Diminished Chords on the Piano
Mastering diminished chords involves understanding their construction and practicing their shapes on the keyboard.
Building a Diminished Triad on the piano
- Select a root note (e.g., C).
- Add a minor third above the root (Eb).
- Add a diminished fifth above the root (Gb).
[Insert Diagram: C Diminished Triad on the Piano Keyboard]
Exercise: Transitioning Between Minor and Diminished Chords on the piano.
Practice moving from a minor chord to its corresponding diminished chord by lowering the fifth by a half step.
C Minor: C - Eb - G C Diminished: C - Eb - Gb
Expanding to the Diminished Seventh Chord
The diminished seventh chord adds another minor third on top of the diminished triad.
- Start with your diminished triad (C – Eb – Gb).
- Add a minor third above the fifth (A).
The Diminished Seventh Chord: Symmetry and Versatility
The diminished seventh chord is unique due to its symmetrical structure. Each interval within the chord is a minor third, creating a repeating pattern that divides the octave equally.
Properties of the Diminished Seventh Chord
- Symmetrical Structure: Consists entirely of minor third intervals.
- Enharmonic Equivalence: Inversions of the chord yield the same pitch classes.
- Modulatory Potential: Can resolve to multiple keys, making it a powerful tool for modulation.
Exercise: Practicing Inversions
Practice the inversions of the diminished seventh chord to become familiar with its symmetrical nature.
Root Position: C - Eb - Gb - A 1st Inversion: Eb - Gb - A - C 2nd Inversion: Gb - A - C - Eb 3rd Inversion: A - C - Eb - Gb
Application of Diminished Chords in Music
Diminished chords are prevalent in various music genres, including classical, jazz, gospel, and musical theater.
Jazz and Blues
In jazz, diminished chords are often used as passing chords to add tension and color to chord progressions.
Cmaj7 - C#dim7 - Dm7 - G7
Gospel Music
Gospel music employs diminished chords to create emotional intensity and facilitate smooth transitions between chords.
Classical Compositions
Composers like Beethoven used diminished chords to heighten drama and lead listeners through unexpected harmonic journeys.
Fun with Diminished Chords
Beyond their theoretical importance, diminished chords offer pianists a playground for creativity and technical development.
Advanced Techniques
- Arpeggios: Practice diminished arpeggios in double octaves to build dexterity.
- Chromatic Movement: Use diminished chords to move chromatically between key centers.
Composer Spotlight: Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt was known for his virtuosic piano compositions that often featured dazzling displays of diminished chord runs and arpeggios. He exploited their symmetrical properties to modulate effortlessly between keys, adding excitement and unpredictability to his music.
Conclusion
Diminished chords are more than just the so-called “Devil’s Chord.” They are a gateway to richer harmonic language and greater expressive potential on the piano. By understanding and practicing these chords, you open up a new world of musical possibilities.
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