Text: A name given to combinations of sounds which are common to two or more distinct keys, and which, when heard, make the listener doubtful as to the particular key-tonality into which they are about to be resolved. The simplest form of chords of this class is to be found in the so-called diminished triad; B, D, F. The inversions of this chord give, as might be expected, greater scope for varied notes than can be obtained from its original position. The next import doubtful chord is the diminished seventh, but in this case it will be noticed that the numerous resolutions are the result of its possible enharmonic change, whereas, in the diminished triad, no alteration has been made in the notation of the chord.

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Source: 125