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B♭min7(♭5)/A♭ is the B♭ minor 7th flat 5 / A♭ (3rd inversion) guitar chord with A♭ in the bass. It uses the notes B♭, D♭, F♭, and A♭ and the interval formula 1-♭3-♭5-♭7.
The B♭ minor 7th flat 5 minor 7th flat 5 chord, also known as half-diminished, combines the diminished triad with a minor seventh A♭, producing a haunting, unresolved tension. It is essential in jazz harmony for its sophisticated, somber sound. With A♭ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 3rd inversion of B♭ minor 7th flat 5.
Also written as B♭min7(♭5), B♭m7♭5/A♭, and B♭m7(♭5)/A♭.
These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.
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Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.
The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.
This note supplies the minor color and gives the chord its darker emotional pull.
The flattened fifth adds tension and a restless, unstable edge.
The minor seventh adds bluesy or jazzy tension that wants to move onward.
Every shape is shown with its diagram and exact fingering instructions.
B♭min7(♭5)/A♭ uses the notes B♭, D♭, F♭, and A♭. Its interval formula is 1-♭3-♭5-♭7.
B♭min7(♭5)/A♭ is also written as B♭min7(♭5), B♭m7♭5/A♭, and B♭m7(♭5)/A♭.
Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string and 4th string in barre position. Place the 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd string. Place the 3rd finger on the 4th fret of the 6th string. Place the 4th finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string. Let the first string ring open. Strum from the 6th string down.
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