All 4 ways to play Cdim7 on guitar
-
xx1212 at the 1st fret -
x34242 at the 2nd fret -
8x787x at the 7th fret -
x-x-10-11-10-11 at the 10th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play Cdim7 on guitar
Main shape: xx1212 (at the 1st fret).
- Put your index finger (1) on the 1st fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 1st fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Put your little finger (4) on the 2nd fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Don't play the low E (6th) or A (5th) strings (marked X).
- Strum from the D (4th) string down (4 strings).
Cdim7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | root |
| E♭ | ♭3 | minor 3rd |
| G♭ | ♭5 | diminished 5th |
| B𝄫 (= A) | 𝄫7 | diminished 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Cdim7/E♭ (1st inversion), Cdim7/G♭ (2nd inversion) and Cdim7/B𝄫 (3rd inversion).
Easier ways to play Cdim7
- Play Cdim instead: it keeps C, E♭ and G♭ and leaves out B𝄫.
Cdim7 on piano and ukulele
-
Cdim7 on piano C – E♭ – G♭ – B𝄫 -
Cdim7 on ukulele 2323
Which keys use Cdim7?
Cdim7 is one of the basic chords of 1 key. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C♯ minor | B♯°7 | vii°7 | dominant (harmonic minor) |