B diminished 7th · Guitar
Bdim7 Chord on Guitar
The Bdim7 chord (B diminished 7th) is built from the notes B, D, F and G#. The guitar fingering for it is shown below.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 6 (E): muted
- string 5 (A): fret 2 — middle finger
- string 4 (D): fret 3 — ring finger
- string 3 (G): fret 1 — index finger
- string 2 (B): fret 3 — little finger
- string 1 (E): fret 1 — index finger
Notes in this chord
- B
- D
- F
- G♯
Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7
How to play
Every guitar shape for Bdim7 needs a barre, and the lowest one starts at fret 1. Keep the index finger straight and as close to the fret wire as possible, and let the wrist rather than the thumb supply the pressure.
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 Bdim7 this structure sits on the root B, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7 map onto B, D, F and G#.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the Bdim7 chord?
- Bdim7 contains the notes B, D, F and G#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7.
- How many ways can you play Bdim7?
- Minory lists a single guitar fingering for Bdim7, and it is a barre shape.
- Is the Bdim7 chord hard to play?
- Bdim7 requires a barre, so it can feel demanding at first. Keeping the index finger straight and pressing from the wrist rather than the thumb makes it noticeably easier.
Practise Bdim7 on your phone
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