Diminished 7th chord
Level 4: 7th chords and beyond
Notes: C, E♭, G♭, A · Bass note: G♭ · Frets 1 to 2
Also known as: Cdim7, C°7, C diminished 7th, C diminished seventh, C dim 7
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), C diminished 7th. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), C diminished 7th. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play C diminished 7th
- Lay your first finger flat across every string from the D string to the B string at the first fret.
- Place your second finger on the second fret of the low E string.
- Place your third finger on the second fret of the G string.
- Strum from the low E string. Do not play the A and high E strings.
Tips for new players
- Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
- Practice at a slow, steady pace, then try the progression below.
Chord video
Watch C diminished 7th, step by step
A short animation that builds the C diminished 7th chart and explains every symbol on it.
- X marks a string that is muted or not played.
- Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
- Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.
Learn and practice C diminished 7th
Practice progression
Cdim7, Ddim7, Edim7
Switch between Cdim7, Ddim7 and Edim7 until the changes feel smooth.
Chords to learn next
Cdim7 up the neck
The same chord in other places on the fretboard. Tap Hear it to listen, or Watch to play the animation for your hand.