Diminished 7th chord
Level 4: 7th chords and beyond
Notes: D, F, A♭, C♭ · Open position
Also known as: Ddim7, D°7, D diminished 7th, D diminished seventh, D dim 7
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), D diminished 7th. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), D diminished 7th. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play D diminished 7th
- Place your first finger on the first fret of the G string.
- Place your second finger on the first fret of the high E string.
- Strum only the D, G, B 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 D diminished 7th, step by step
A short animation that builds the D 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 D diminished 7th
Practice progression
Ddim7, Edim7, Fdim7
Switch between Ddim7, Edim7 and Fdim7 until the changes feel smooth.
Chords to learn next
Ddim7 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.