Skip to main content

Section 18.2 Secondary Diminished Chords in Major and Minor

Below are the secondary diminished chords that occur in major and minor.
Figure 18.2.1. Secondary Diminished Triads and Seventh Chords in Major
Figure 18.2.2. Secondary Diminished Triads and Seventh Chords in Minor
Notice that \(\left.\text{vii}^{\circ}{}\middle/\text{III}\right.\) in minor is not included because it is \(\left.\text{ii}^{\circ}{}\right.\). Notice also that \(\left.\text{vii}^ø{}^{7}\middle/\text{III}\right.\) has no accidentals—it is the same as \(\left.\text{ii}^ø{}^{7}\right.\) but functions differently. The \(\left.\text{ii}^ø{}^{7}\right.\) chord has pre–dominant function and progresses to \(\left.\text{V}\right.\) whereas the \(\left.\text{vii}^ø{}^{7}\middle/\text{III}\right.\) chord progresses to \(\left.\text{III}\right.\).
Minor triads are tonicized by fully diminished seventh chords. Major triads are traditionally tonicized by half diminished seventh chords but can also be tonicized by fully diminished seventh chords.