Jazz Piano Harmony - Diminished Chords Explained and Demystified

Diminished chords don't get as much love as major and minor chords, but they should! I find that they give my playing a very 30s/40s kind of feel to them. In this jazz piano video lesson we are going to take a look at how diminished chords fit into ordinary progressions by leading into other chords, and how they can be used to enrich any jazz piano harmonic chord progression.
Here's what I'm going to cover in this lesson:
1. We are going to focus on diminished 7th chords, because I find they are fuller and nicer sounding. We will learn how to construct a diminished 7th chord, which consists of the root and 3 additional notes spaced 3 semitones apart from each other.
2. We'll see that although we can construct a diminished chord for any note (all 12 of them), they actually fall into three groups, each group containing four equivalent chords. For example, Cdim7 = C Eb Gb A and Ebdim7 = Eb Gb A C are actually the same chord since they contain the same notes, only in a different order! The three groups will be:
Group 1: Cdim7, Ebdim7, Gbdim7, Adim7
Group 2: Dbdim7 Edim7 Gdim7 Bbdim7
Group 3: Ddim7 Fdim7 Abdim7 Bdim7
3. Then we'll talk about how diminished chords can be used to lead into other chords. We will learn that a chord can be approached by a diminished chord a semitone below, above or right on it. I will show an example that will use all three "tricks".
Who is this Jazz Piano Lesson Aimed At?
This tutorial is aimed at piano players interested in expanding their chord voicing vocabulary. Although some theoretical concepts are discussed throughout the video, you really need to know very basic concepts (what a semitone is, for example) to make use of the forms presented! Just watch, listen and copy what I play, and enjoy! These chord voicings are not difficult to play and do not require any special piano technique.
More About Diminished Chords from Wikipedia:
"The most common form of the diminished seventh chord is that rooted on the leading tone; for example, in the key of C, the chord (B, D, F, Ab). So its other constituents are the second, fourth, and flatted sixth (flat submediant) scale degrees. These notes occur naturally in the harmonic minor scale. But this chord also appears in major keys, especially after the time of Bach, where it is "borrowed" from the parallel minor. Fétis tuned the chord 10:12:14:17.
Seventh chords may also be rooted on other scale degrees, either as secondary function chords temporarily borrowed from other keys, or as appoggiatura chords: a chord rooted on the raised second scale degree (D#-F#-A-C in the key of C) acts as an appoggiatura to the tonic (C major) chord, and one rooted on the raised sixth scale degree (A#-C#-E-G in C major) acts as an appoggiatura to the dominant (G major) chord. Because these chords have no leading tone in relation to the chords to which they resolve, they can not properly have "dominant" function. They are therefore referred to commonly as "non-dominant" diminished seventh chords or "common tone" diminished seventh chords.
In jazz, the diminished seventh chord is often based on the lowered third scale degree (the flat mediant) and acts as a passing chord between the mediant triad (or first-inversion tonic triad) and the supertonic triad: in C major, this would be the chord progression E minor - Eb diminished - D minor. The chord, "plays no role in...jazz." The passing chord is used widely in Brazilian music like Choro, Samba, and Bossa Nova"
See: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diminish...
========= Other Related Videos and Playlists =========
Here are other interesting playlists from my channel which group together my different piano lessons by theme/category:
Reading Sheet Music for Beginners: a 4-Part Series
kzbin.info?list=...
Inspiring Piano Harmony, Chord and Voicing Tips and Tricks:
kzbin.info?list=...
Exercises for Developing Piano Technique
kzbin.info?list=...
The 2-5-1 Harmonic Progression: a 4-Part Series
kzbin.info?list=...
The "Piano Quickie" series, with byte-sized lessons about piano harmony and music theory in general:
kzbin.info?list...

[@jetblackriver]

I could not even fathom doing this/playing in this style before watching this video. I spent like an hour practicing this technique and now I'm writing music in a completely new style. This was so easy to follow. Thank you!

[@pawelpaszkiewicz6341]

This is the first person making lessons exactly on the subjects I need, explaining exactly how I need it to be explained. Great stuff.

[@RZN808]

The fact that i was boutta skip this video but decided to what it i learned alot through this and this was explained in such an easy way imagine if i would have skipped this video. Thankgod i didnt

[@ChapelOfNewSongsMararaba]

Oh dear. I had to play the intro over and over again...I could hardly get over it. Thanks for sharing...I didn't know this is what I have been looking for a long while now. I kinda know this feel I want create but no idea. Voila ~ DIMINISHED CHORDS!

[@christopherwilliams2092]

I find the melodic transitions using dim chords subtle and stimulating. Thank you for being my guide and mentor. I am experiencing a renaissance with music in my life much to your credit.

[@pavelmihailovski8959]

No words to describe your systematic approach... and yet so freeing and lightening, thank you

[@johnsontellewoyan7865]

You're welcome. I follow you and I'm learning from you a lot.

[@damaridamien4999]

you all probably dont give a damn but does someone know of a method to get back into an instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my account password. I love any help you can offer me!

[@nikolaigerardo1168]

@Damari Damien Instablaster :)

[@damaridamien4999]

@Nikolai Gerardo I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@damaridamien4999]

@Nikolai Gerardo It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my account !

[@marciamackey1645]

Just the perfect teacher. Totally accessible and with zero ego to navigate before you get to the stuff you actually want:)

[@AllForUke]

Great explanation of a really cool concept. I'll try this on the piano and my ukulele!

[@giomaster2329]

I’m self taught and I wanna learn theory but I just realized I’ve been using diminished chords for a few years and I didn’t know even what diminished meant and I use them all the time and I just call them skip 2’s

[@adrianguzman8093]

Skip 2s lol thats awesome. I started calling them passing chords lol

[@SunnyGhandle]

0:48 that pause tho

[@Firecrush123]

i didnt notice till i read your comment, now i'm dying

[@jn2190]

When you expect all your friends to laugh at your joke but it isn't funny

[@maneasd4600]

@@jn2190 lmao good one

[@badmangolden]

I thank you for sharing your gift of music. May you forever be blessed in everything you set your hands and heart to do.

[@Housey29]

Clear and easy explanation of diminished chords very helpful thank you

[@foxdonze]

Wonderful, simple explanation. Great video

[@Yadeehoo]

Awesome. You just made a lot of sense. My piano life has changed

[@MangoldProject]

***** Wow thanks for the high praise!

[@Albert_XXI]

Clear as crystal water, and the progressions from 8:30 are....they're just gold for my ears. Thank you.

[@mubafaw]

Legendary!!!!!! This video is a gold mine. Thank you Thank you Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@MangoldProject]

You're very welcome.

[@johnmiller2132]

Great video. I love diminished 7th chords, but I find it hard to incorporate it into progressions without making it sound dark. You made it sound very pretty. New tricks up my sleeve, thank you.

[@MangoldProject]

You're welcome. That's what I try to do in my videos - show little "tricks" piano players pick up over the years.

[@cliffordgeneral8167]

this really helped me out more than you know...thank you for making this simple to understand

[@KingOfErehwon]

I just came across this and can't wait to work on mastering it! This is SO COOL! Wonderfully explained and demo'd.

[@carlroscoe9597]

Best explanation of this, both in theory and practice, I’ve seen. I watched many others to kind of piece it together but I wish I’d seen this first. thanks!

[@Syn-eo7yv]

That bit at the end is absolutely brilliant! I never knew the use of a diminished chord could sound so beautiful! You're are simply the best teacher ever!

[@MangoldProject]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@SarumanDeWhite]

So lush and classic. Thank you man.

[@hanimorcos4379]

I landed on you today 10/17/21, so beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing this

[@PauladaleMcLean]

I don't know how to say I really didn't have a feeling about diminished chords until I watched (and studied) your video and having a feeling about music is what it's all about!

[@NikudemusProductions]

This is the first lesson that I've seen that actually shows the different options of chord passing that sounds good wth diminish instead of hearing that dam phrase there are no wrong notes or if you hear it !

[@MangoldProject]

+Russell NKD What phrase?

[@rjp63vip]

your teaching style is a very beautiful example of the genius of simplicity and the simplicity of genius! keep up the great work! I am merry excited about what I learn from watching your videos. I am writing many wonderful inspiring beautiful songs using what you teach! BRAVO! ENCORE!

[@MangoldProject]

+Roylin Picou Thank you Roylin for your kind words.

[@DSBeats_100]

This is easily the most informative viewer freindly example of how to best understand the rule and use of diminished chords. I found other videos were a little too rushed where as I have actually learnt so much in one video! Thank you

[@jeannieafolayan8907]

Thank you for the free lesson on diminished chords and when and how to used them. I feel very informed. It gave me a lot of confidence. Enough to want to continue my studies. I'm signing up. Again...thank you.

[@riankannemeyer2693]

Awesome video! Everything was really well explained and the examples/tricks you gave made it really easy to understand. Thanks!

[@harishkumarko]

Thank you so much! I was playing two different songs with diminished chords and was wondering why Ddim7 and Bdim7 had same notes. Came here and learnt even more than I expected. I find using dim chords very soothing in some progressions but using it wrongly will lead to a terrible outcome! Very tricky! Thanks once again for making this wonderful video. I see ZERO dislikes for your video. That says it all! Subscribed :)

[@MangoldProject]

***** Thanks man and don't jinx those 0 dislikes ;).

[@ephjaymusic]

This is A class stuff man! Thank you!

[@MangoldProject]

Thanks Fred! And I'll just assume you meant Adim :).

[@jemuelkharlquibilan1721]

Wow! That was beautiful!

[@mediathug]

Hello there... I want you to know that I've been learning piano late in life for a long time, having a teacher as well as using tutorials. This is the first video of yours I've watched, and it has given me SO much understanding now about the uses of these dims. Your little "songs" there that you play (both at the front and the end of the video, are very potent fodder for getting the sound of the movement into my ears. I do these in every key, paying attention to everything you play, and it's all making sense. Now I just gotta get my fingers in better shape! Thank you!

[@MisterPage1]

Mangold, you are really an excellent teacher. I wish I had you in my neighbourhood. Thank you so much!

[@nikhilkash92]

your videos are very enlightening. gives us a new way of approaching piano always with every new lesson. thanks

[@WhosPrezzi]

Always great seeing a new video from you in my subbox. Another great lesson - thanks

[@johngalus9043]

I like the way the dim cords fill in the cord connections thanks!

[@IncredibleDog]

greatest channel about harmony. ever. thank you.

[@MangoldProject]

Thanks a lot, and you're welcome!

[@drawntothefire]

Not only is this really well presented and useful music theory, but it's great to listen to you play the examples so well!

[@MangoldProject]

+Chris Edwards Thanks Chris! Hopefully after you watch and practice you'll be an even better listen :)

[@George-nx8zu]

Thank you for explaining. I've learned how to play Diminished Chords but never fully understood their relationship with the Major and Minor Chords. This gave me a bit more of context on one of the ways they can be used

[@mylifetorackets]

Thanks so much for explaining a 'complex' chord so simply! :)

[@minyoungrho1]

Helpful more than any books or online lessons anyone can possibly get. Thank you very much! :) This is definitely the best music theory lesson. :)

[@Spineloro]

Freddy Mercury liked them a lot, and I think this is why Queen sounded very different compared with other hard rock bands who used only major power chords. It gave a tender or vintage character to their songs. I understand now why I was bewitched😵‍💫 Thank you for such a clear explanation as I was always frightened and struggling with those chords. You definitely have a great talent for making harmony rules accessible. Happy to see you have half a million of followers, this is fully deserved👏✨

[@MangoldProject]

Yes, Queen had a very unique harmonic palette, and this is indeed one of the reasons for that.

[@victorlaw4256]

Great lesson. Thanks MP.

[@karon8537]

Very helpfull and very well explained 👍 beautifull work

[@ellehjames5809]

Fantastic; explained very well. Thank you.

[@nesschallis1909]

Thank you very much for this tutorial - it is just what I needed to help me progress along this huge learning curve!! Very much appreciated and thanks again! :)

[@annetait8123]

really makes sense - very clear

[@michaelguglielmo]

thanks a million.... love your playing... seeing the strat is so good as well

[@neya2222]

Tkx a lot for your gifts....

[@rockingbuddah]

Beautiful piano sound, great video!

[@VoidloniXaarii]

thank you so much, so many great advices on what can precede chords! thank you! And the music/style/atmosphere... it's faantastic

[@MrPabgon]

Oh my god THANK YOU!! I'm entering into composing so this is really helpful to play something that sounds really good!

[@judye3020]

Thank you for these lessons. I like the way you explain chord structures and how they fit into various music styles. I'm a pianist/keyboardist myself (mostly play by ear, although I do read music some), and have been a little out of practice. I think these will help me when I get back into it again, and I believe that's going to be soon.

[@CaroleAllen1]

This is very helpful. Thank you!

[@anyrahamanara4946]

Thank you very much.. You're really a good man. God bless you always. Amen

[@brucermorgan]

Excellent video ! Very Helpful ! Thanks !

[@kentcelicious578]

subscribed! Looked at it one shot and comprehended well enough

[@MangoldProject]

Welcome aboard.

[@RuthButlerMusic]

Thank you my friend! Very helpful! And beautiful playing 👏👏🎶✨

[@WaterLikey]

You are a great teacher. Thanks very much!

[@marcoevans2155]

Great explanation. Thanks

[@nansun664]

best theory into practice example about music in my life. thanks.

[@MangoldProject]

Glad to know it helped you out.

[@MarkNathon]

These videos are such a great blessings! thanks alot sir and may God continual to bless you and increase you in more , wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

[@MangoldProject]

+Mark Nathon Thank you Mark.

[@govindoburdwan]

Do more videos like this....I love ur teaching.

[@MangoldProject]

Any particular requests?

[@govindoburdwan]

I want to know ur approach to Circle of fifths...how u use it and any tricks that may be useful for making songs or solos.

[@ernieyoungblood6673]

Thank You so much! You've opened up my mind to how to put these chords to use in my song writing. This is coming from a drummer with no consistent access to developing my keyboard chord skills/understanding. One thing you should correct though the 2nd group should be D flat not C flat. I'm determined, so determined to continue evolving using what you share here. Thank you again!

[@manuman84]

This is legendary🙌🏽

[@noelwalterso2]

Beautiful improvisation at the end there.

[@MangoldProject]

Thank you Noel.

[@keeganjohnson3376]

Very helpful and well explained. Thank you

[@Asteroity]

I love this video with my soul

[@artud2188]

Nice break down, applying these movements to my bass guitar. Thx.

[@MangoldProject]

You're welcome.

[@victoriaathotmail]

Thank you, that was great!

[@guillermopeitton4359]

Hola Hassan!! que gran lección, realmente eres un excelente maestro, muchas muchas gracias !!!

[@anilec333]

Easy to know and very useful

[@HendrikClercx]

Thanks a lot for the clear explanation!

[@Gabrielmugicman]

You are awesome man! I've watched your diminished and augmented tutorial for my college audition tommorow. Thank you for your help!

[@MangoldProject]

Hey, how did the audition go? I hope my videos helped out!

[@osvaldosanguinet7758]

Excelente. Muy claro , gracias!

[@MrMikomi]

Wonderful, thank you.

[@wl200398]

Amazing! your videos are always well organised simple, interesting and easy to follow. you have really helped me advance in a professional manner yet again with this video thanks alot.

[@MangoldProject]

william liyayi Hi William. Always happy to hear back from viewers who enjoyed a video, so thank you for taking the time to write a comment.

[@AndrewMcMillenium]

Great teacher, great lesson, great hands )))

[@MangoldProject]

***** Thank you Andrew, and my hands thank you for the compliment as well :).

[@davidjones8177]

Once again, excellent. Thank you!

[@MangoldProject]

David Jones Once again, you're welcome :)

[@maksiuk138]

Really on point man, instant subscription

[@MangoldProject]

Thanks Max!

[@joshuajeanpierre1659]

thanks bro i play for a church and this really helped my playing sound jazzy

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Dave great as always. Over the years..I have played around with film and dim7 chords. Here is one I use. In walking up in semi tones ..Say I was playing in F. I play a quick Ab in the base and Abdim7 In root position. In Ab. Ab B D F.. Then keeping the F on the pinky. I play a F6 in first inversion. A C D F..that is held a little longer. The ADim7 is also a G7b9. (b9 3 5 b7) and the F6. above among other things a inverted Dmin7..that gives. direction if we want to go to G7 ..lots more choices here. Going back to watching.

[@neovirtuality]

fantastic! I learned something invaluable. thanks

[@MangoldProject]

+neovirtuality Great! Happy to hear this helped you out.

[@alexwinson]

Brilliant! Thanks a lot!

[@MangoldProject]

Great, glad you liked it!

[@boldcautionproductions9203]

Really good.

[@charlieemily998]

I'm literally clicking on every next vid from recommendation of this channel but I still can't be 666th- Gosh life, be with me for once

[@laurietemple2595]

Thank you very much! This is a great lesson. There are so many complicated lessons out there and you have simplified it marvellously! I was wondering if you would ever consider teaching a jazz standard song and breaking down your technique for approaching it? All the best, Laurie

[@MangoldProject]

That's not a bad idea. Maybe I'll call that lesson "Practical Jazz"!

[@alejandronieto576]

Thank you for this video.

[@MangoldProject]

You're very welcome.

[@austinofficial9679]

Brilliant sir

[@EvonPeter]

Amazing .. learned a lot thanks

[@fadakablogfoundation4581]

Beautiful

[@MangoldProject]

Queen Fadaka Thanks :)

[@TheWaffleState]

7:20 Thanks So Much! This Is So Cool!

[@TheWaffleState]

9:00

[@erkkiriekkola3305]

My favourite is group 2, it sounds mystical

[@NFCHK]

Thank you so much, great lesson!

[@MangoldProject]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@guillermopeitton4359]

Hassan, hola de nuevo, la verdad que el otro comentario lo hice ANTES de terminar el vídeo, lo que aprendí en esta lección que me va a servir toda la vida, es realmente invaluable, te lo agradezco de corazón, saludos!!!!

[@incsism5972]

beautiful

[@ducitrinh]

You helped so much dude, thanks!

[@MangoldProject]

Cool!

[@Prilly49]

I can't thank you enough! This is a very clear demonstration and presentation of the theory. This is going to help me so much as I do my own arranging....of old standards, so it's perfect. :-) THANKS!

[@MangoldProject]

Wow thank you for the very lovely comment :).

[@HikariKami]

Fantastic! Thank you :)