BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
590 / 18210 · Module 14 — Diminished Chords in Practice← prev⊞ allnext →

14.14One diminished shape, four possible destinations

The chord:

B-D-F-A♭

B-D-F-A♭

can potentially resolve to roots one semitone above any of its notes:

B → C

D → E♭

F → G♭

A♭ → A

So possible tonic roots include approximately:

C, E♭, G♭, A

C, E♭, G♭, A

depending on spelling/context.

This is why diminished chords are powerful pivot chords.