What chord is G-C#-E in a D minor context?

Question

I’m looking at a score notated in D minor. The first measures are evidently in D minor, followed by a F-A-D (Ic - second inversion). But the next measure has a G-C#-E.

I know that D harmonic minor has a C# but my search of chords based on those notes shows nothing apparently related to D minor.

It's the diminished 7 chord, or 3 notes of an A7 chord. – Bennyboy1973 Apr 10 '22 at 02:33 — Bennyboy1973, Apr 10 '22 at 02:33

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 10 '22 at 00:00

2

C♯ dim. Very likely acting as an incomplete A7, the dominant 7th of D minor.

In this case, it does 'fit the scale'. But chords that don't are allowed!

answered Apr 10 '22 at 00:00

Laurence

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score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 09 '22 at 22:27

The chord is a C# diminished triad in second inversion (viic).

Minor keys admit both the raised and lowered seventh (C# and C) as well as raised and lowered sixth (B and Bb).

Minor scales are representation of the various ways the raised and lowered intervals are used in compositions.

For more on the difference between keys and scales see, for example: Difference between keys and scales?

What chord is G-C#-E in a D minor context?

2 Answers2