G Diminished Cliché

I – ♯I°7 – ii – V progression in G major

G major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IG
♯I°7G#dim
iiAm
VD

Triad Diagrams — G Diminished Cliché (Guitar)

G Diminished ClichéI – ♯I°7 – ii – V

The G Diminished Cliché (G – G#dim – Am – D) uses a chromatic diminished 7th chord built on the raised first degree as a passing chord between the tonic and ii. This half-step ascent created the nostalgic, sophisticated sound of Tin Pan Alley and 1930s jazz standards. With seventh chords (GMaj7 – G#dim7 – Am7 – D7), the chromatic motion is even smoother.

Jazz / SoulNostalgic & Vintage4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): G, G#dim, Am, D.

Chords (7th): GMaj7, G#dim7, Am7, D7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
  • Stormy Weather – Harold Arlen
  • Deep Purple – Peter DeRose