I guess a C#dim is more a "color" chord than having a true harmonic function in some contexts. An am sub for a Cmajor is really the same (an inversion) as a C6 (same notes.) It just adds some variation rather than hanging on a C major..but not as "colorful" as a CMaj7.

Often you will see a C-c#dim -dm - g7 kind of progression (Fats Waller did a lot of them.) It just adds interest, but again, no REAL function... You can also use this in a tune like "Blue Monk" where the dim chord a half step up from I adds tension.


Last edited by PhillyJazz; 01/14/13 09:48 AM.