Dm7b5 guitar chord (D Half-diminished Minor 7)

Symbols: m7b5, m7-5, ø

Steps: 1-b3-b5-b7

Notes: D-F-Ab-C

The D m7b5 chord, also known as half-diminished, delivers a delicate balance of dissonance and resolution. Its notes D, F, Ab and C make it a staple in jazz for creating tension. Below, you'll find ten variations how to play the "D m7b5" chord, each featuring finger placements and an audio sample.

Variation 1

Place a barre using your index finger on the 1st fret from the 1st to the 3rd strings
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 4th string

Variation 2

Position your middle finger on the E (1st) string at the 4th fret and press down
Place a barre using your index finger on the 3rd fret from the 2nd to the 5th strings
Press down on the G (3rd) string at the 5th fret using your ring finger
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 5th string

Variation 3

With your middle finger, press down on the E (1st) string at the 4th fret
Barre the 3rd fret with your index finger, extending over the 2nd to the 4th strings
Position your ring finger on the G (3rd) string at the 5th fret and press down
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 4th string

Variation 4

Press the E (1st) string on the 4th fret with your index finger
Press down on the B (2nd) string at the 6th fret using your pinky
Position your ring finger on the G (3rd) string at the 5th fret and press down
With your middle finger, press down on the A (5th) string at the 5th fret
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 5th string, mute the 4th string

Variation 5

Position your pinky on the B (2nd) string at the 6th fret and press down
Press the G (3rd) string on the 5th fret with your middle finger
With your ring finger, press down on the D (4th) string at the 6th fret
Place your index finger on the A (5th) string at the 5th fret and press down
Strum from the 5th string to the 2nd strings

Variation 6

Press the E (1st) string on the 8th fret with your pinky
Barre the 6th fret with your index finger, extending over the 2nd to the 4th strings
Use your middle finger to press the G (3rd) string down on the 7th fret
Place your ring finger on the A (5th) string at the 8th fret and press down
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 5th string

Variation 7

Use your pinky to press the E (1st) string down on the 10th fret
With your index finger, press down on the B (2nd) string at the 9th fret
Press down on the G (3rd) string at the 10th fret using your ring finger
Position your middle finger on the D (4th) string at the 10th fret and press down
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 4th string

Variation 8

Use your index finger to press the B (2nd) string down on the 9th fret
With your pinky, press down on the G (3rd) string at the 10th fret
Press the D (4th) string on the 10th fret with your ring finger
Place your middle finger on the low E (6th) string at the 10th fret and press down
Now, strum all the strings up to the 2nd string, mute the 5th string

Variation 9

Place a barre using your index finger on the 10th fret
Stretch out your pinky to the 13th fret of the B (2nd) string and press down
Place your middle finger on the A (5th) string at the 11th fret and press down
To play the chord, strum all the strings

Variation 10

Apply a barre with your middle finger across the 13th fret, covering the 1st to the 3rd strings
Position your index finger on the D (4th) string at the 12th fret and press down
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 4th string

Other D Chords

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