VBdim chords may not be the most commonly used chord in jazz harmony, but their unique sound can add a lot of richness and complexity to your playing. In this article, we will explore what VBdim chords are, how they are used in jazz, and some practical ways to incorporate them into your playing.

What are VBdim Chords?

VBdim chords are fully diminished seventh chords that have a root note of a raised or augmented fifth. For example, the VBdim chord based on C would be spelled: C, Eb, Gb, Bbb. Notice that the fifth of the chord (G) has been raised or augmented to Gb, which is equivalent to a double flat. This gives the chord a distinctive sound that is often used in jazz to add tension and color to a chord progression.

VBdim chords are also known as half-diminished chords, but this term can be confusing because it is also used to refer to a minor seventh chord with a lowered fifth. To avoid confusion, we will use the term VBdim throughout this article.

How are VBdim Chords Used in Jazz?

VBdim chords are often used as a substitute for dominant seventh chords in a chord progression. This is because VBdim chords share some of the same notes as dominant seventh chords, and can therefore create a similar sense of tension and resolution.

For example, in the key of C, the dominant seventh chord would be G7. If we substitute a VBdim chord for G7, we get a chord progression that looks like this: Cmaj7 – Am7 – VBdim7 – Fmaj7. Notice that the VBdim7 chord is acting as a substitute for the G7 chord, and it creates a sense of tension that resolves back to the Cmaj7 chord.

Another common use of VBdim chords in jazz is to create chromatic movement in a chord progression. For example, if we have a chord progression that goes from Cmaj7 to Dm7, we can insert a VBdim7 chord between them to create a chromatic movement: Cmaj7 – VBdim7 – Dm7. This creates a sense of tension that resolves to the Dm7 chord.

Practical Ways to Incorporate VBdim Chords into Your Playing

Now that we understand what VBdim chords are and how they are used in jazz, let’s look at some practical ways to incorporate them into our playing.

1. Substitution Practice

One of the best ways to get comfortable with VBdim chords is to practice substituting them for dominant seventh chords in a chord progression. Start with simple progressions like ii-V-I and try substituting VBdim7 for the V7 chord. As you get more comfortable, you can try using VBdim7 in more complex progressions and in different keys.

2. Chromatic Movement Practice

Another way to practice using VBdim chords is to create chromatic movement in a chord progression. Start with a simple progression like I-vi-ii-V and insert a VBdim7 chord between each chord to create chromatic movement: Cmaj7 – Abm7 – VBdim7 – Gm7 – Fmaj7. Experiment with different progressions and different keys.

3. Composing Practice

Finally, one of the best ways to incorporate VBdim chords into your playing is to write your own compositions that use them. This will force you to think creatively about how to incorporate VBdim chords into your playing and will help you develop your own unique style.

Conclusion

VBdim chords may not be the most commonly used chord in jazz harmony, but their unique sound can add richness and complexity to your playing. By practicing substitution, chromatic movement, and composing, you can incorporate VBdim chords into your playing and take your jazz harmony to the next level. Keep in mind that like any new technique, it may take some time and practice to get comfortable with VBdim chords, but the payoff is well worth it.