A# diminished 7th · Guitar
A#dim7 Chord on Guitar
The A#dim7 chord (A# diminished 7th) is built from the notes A#, C#, E and G. The guitar fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Bbdim7; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 6 (E): muted
- string 5 (A): fret 1 — index finger
- string 4 (D): fret 2 — middle finger
- string 3 (G): played open
- string 2 (B): fret 2 — ring finger
- string 1 (E): played open
Notes in this chord
- A♯
- C♯
- E
- G
Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7
Also written: Bbdim7
How to play
A#dim7 can be played with open strings on guitar, which makes it an accessible shape for beginners. Strings marked ○ ring open, while strings marked ✕ are muted.
Theory behind the chord
Diminished seventh chords divide the octave into four equal minor thirds. Every inversion sounds the same, so a single shape can be slid up the neck to lead into several different keys. On A#dim7 this structure sits on the root A#, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7 map onto A#, C#, E and G.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the A#dim7 chord?
- A#dim7 contains the notes A#, C#, E and G. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7.
- How many ways can you play A#dim7?
- Minory lists a single guitar fingering for A#dim7.
- Is the A#dim7 chord hard to play?
- Not really. The open position of A#dim7 uses open strings and needs no barre, which makes it approachable for beginners.
- Are A#dim7 and Bbdim7 the same chord?
- Yes. A#dim7 and Bbdim7 are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.
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