Chords In Minor Keys Options

[Becks]

I know how to figure out the chords in a major key. You write out the scale place the sharps where appropriate then use the formula Major, Minor, Minor, Major, Major, Minor, Diminished. Just to use an example i will use C.

C = C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B diminished

But what would the chords be if the Key was C#? Is there also a set formula?

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[David Wallimann]

I know how to figure out the chords in a major key. You write out the scale place the sharps where appropriate then use the formula Major, Minor, Minor, Major, Major, Minor, Diminished. Just to use an example i will use C.

C = C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B diminished

But what would the chords be if the Key was C#? Is there also a set formula?

Just wanted to add that the 7th degree (or chord) is really a half diminished chord.
If you are talking about 3 note chords, then it is called a diminished triad (Root, min3rd, dim5th) but with the 4 note chords it's only a half diminished:
Root, min3rd, dim5th, min7th

A diminished 4 note chord would have a diminished 7th instead of a minor 7th.

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[Muris Varajic]

Just wanted to add that the 7th degree (or chord) is really a half diminished chord.
If you are talking about 3 note chords, then it is called a diminished triad (Root, min3rd, dim5th) but with the 4 note chords it's only a half diminished:
Root, min3rd, dim5th, min7th

A diminished 4 note chord would have a diminished 7th instead of a minor 7th.

I believe that diminished only is pretty fine name for diminished triad.
However there is a big difference between diminished and half diminished
when we talk about 7th chords.
I'm saying this because there is no half diminished triad
so unless you really forgot to add "7th" there's no chance for confuse,
and from what I see here Becks was talking about triads only.

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