Piano · Level 6 · Intermediate
Diminished passing chords in D major on Piano
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A diminished seventh chord a half step above I connects it smoothly to ii. It is a staple of jazz, gospel and old-time songs.
D
Notes: D · F♯ · A
D♯dim7
Notes: D♯ · F♯ · A · C
Em7
Notes: E · G · B · D
A7
Notes: A · C♯ · E · G
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord on its own: D, D♯dim7, Em7 and A7. Press play on the chord card, then match the sound.
- Keep the right hand curved over the keys and move it as one unit between chords.
- Set the tempo to 63 BPM and play the progression with one chord per bar. Move the bass up by a half step each time and keep the shapes close together.
- Play the left-hand bass note on beat one and the right-hand chord on every beat.
- Raise the tempo to 84 BPM once you can play the loop three times without stopping.
- Record one take, listen back and check for a chromatic climb from I to ii in the bass.
Listen for
Aim for a chromatic climb from I to ii in the bass. A common mistake is holding the diminished chord too long so it sounds unresolved.
Why it works
♯i°7 works like a V7♭9 of ii without its root, so it resolves naturally to ii.
D major has 2 sharps; its relative minor key is B minor.
Questions
What are the chords in I–♯i°7–ii7–V7 in D major?
In D major the progression is D | D♯dim7 | Em7 | A7.
What is the key signature of D major?
D major has 2 sharps. Its relative minor is B minor.
Is this lesson right for my level?
This is a level 6 lesson (intermediate). If it feels too hard, start with “Secondary dominants”.
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