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The Fully Diminished 7th is also diatonic to the octatonic diminished scales (Whole-Half and Half-Whole).
== Why/When 7ths? ==
In general, 7ths can be used to get a more complex sound than a basic triad. Added on top of major/minor triads typically makes them feel less resolved. This is particularly handy for the Dominant 7th, as the dominant (V) chord is generally desired to feel tense, seeking resolution to the tonic (I or i). Adding a 7th to the tonic triad weakens its sense of resolution; however, it still serves as tonic and is the guiding beacon for the harmony. The tonic 7th can give a feeling of incomplete resolution, making the music feel more relaxed and flowing than seeking completion.
''The most common use of 7th chords comes in the form of V7 - I (or i) progressions.''
As noted for the Augmented 7th and Half Diminished 7th Chords, the 7th helps add consonance and lightens the feel of the basic triad, while adding a richer harmony to it and making it feel more complex. I recommend always using the Half Diminished 7th over the triad when diatonic to the current key, especially as the viiø7 chord of a Major key.
Fully Diminished and Minor/Major 7th Chords are particularly dissonant and create a particularly unresolved feeling. The Fully Diminished Chord can also be used to signal an atonal feel.
== Sample Progressions ==
