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Chord & Fret

F#(b5) — major flat five

Also written Gb(b5) — the same chord, spelled the other way.

Notes in F#(b5): F# – A# – CFormula: 1 – 3 – b5

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

It keeps the major third and lowers only the fifth by a semitone. It is the major triad seen through cracked glass: still recognisable, but something is out of true.

The same chord on all four instruments

F#(b5), x x 4 3 1 2F#(b5)4312××GbBbCGb
Guitar
F#(b5), x x 4 3 1 2F#(b5)4312××GbBbCGb
Electric guitar
F#(b5), 4 3 1 4F#(b5)3214GbBbCGb
Cavaquinho
F#(b5), 3 0 2 1F#(b5)321BbCGbBb
Ukulele

Where to use it: A rare, modern colour; in practice it shows up far more with the seventh attached, as C7(b5), than on its own.

This is just one shape of F#(b5). In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Triads family.

Other chords in this family

F#F#F#F#F#mF#mF#mF#mF#dimGbaugF#5

See all chord types and qualities →