Re: new chord symbol (for me, at least)

[Kieren MacMillan]

Hi David (et al.):

> In sheet music convention there is no difference whatever between
> Cdim  and Cdim7. Many people like you and I like to include the 7
> to be  unambiguous, but nothing can be done about Cdim
> except to write it as Cm(b5) if the triad is desired.

Though its usage is hardly widespread, I much prefer Cdim5: this more  
clearly articulates the real function of the chord, rather than  
suggesting that it's a "minor triad with lowered fifth".

[ Another bonus I just noticed: fewer symbols/keystrokes! :) ]

> Quick recognition is the whole purpose of chord names of this type.

Agreed!

> The difference between jazz chords and sheet music chords is
> only in the accretion of cryptic symbols, of which the triangle is  
> the worst.

In my opinion, you just contradicted yourself: speaking from my own  
experience — as well as opinions gleaned from several discussions  
regarding this exact symbol with colleagues and students — the  
triangle provides the quickest recognition of any other notation I've  
encountered. I believe this happens because (again) the triangle  
becomes a transparent metaphor/symbol for *harmonic function*, as  
opposed to a set of semantic symbols that one must first parse. [Of  
course, as with literally any symbol (e.g., even the 'min' in 'Cmin')  
there is a first-occurrence learning curve… but I'm talking about  
usage after first contact.]

Regards,
Kieren.