Cm7b5

About this chord

Cm7b5 (C half-diminished, Cø7) has a smoky, tense, melancholic color—haunting yet elegant, with a fragile, suspenseful vibe. Core to jazz harmony, blues turnarounds, modal funk, Latin-jazz boleros, and late Romantic/classical chromaticism. Hints of film noir and Afro‑Cuban/Caribbean flavors in minor ii–V–i settings, with occasional Flamenco‑tinged drama. Technically a sophisticated jazz voicing; often requires tight left‑hand control, subtle muting, or barre shapes on guitar and careful voice-leading on piano. Commonly the minor ii chord (iiø7) creating pre-dominant tension that resolves to V7alt and then i, perfect for intros, bridges, and moody ballads.