Which notes are in the C#dim7 chord?

C#dim7 contains the notes C#, E, G and A#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7.

How many ways can you play C#dim7?

Minory lists a single guitar fingering for C#dim7.

Is the C#dim7 chord hard to play?

C#dim7 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.

Are C#dim7 and Dbdim7 the same chord?

Yes. C#dim7 and Dbdim7 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.

C# diminished 7th · Guitar

C#dim7 Chord on Guitar

The C#dim7 chord (C# diminished 7th) is built from the notes C#, E, G and A#. The guitar fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Dbdim7; both spellings sound identical.

Chord diagrams

C#dim7starts at fret 2

Fingering

string 6 (E): muted
string 5 (A): muted
string 4 (D): fret 2 — index finger
string 3 (G): fret 3 — ring finger
string 2 (B): fret 2 — middle finger
string 1 (E): fret 3 — little finger

Notes in this chord

C♯
E
G
A♯

Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7

Also written: Dbdim7

How to play

C#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 C#dim7 this structure sits on the root C#, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7 map onto C#, E, G and A#.

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the C#dim7 chord?: C#dim7 contains the notes C#, E, G and A#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7.
How many ways can you play C#dim7?: Minory lists a single guitar fingering for C#dim7.
Is the C#dim7 chord hard to play?: C#dim7 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.
Are C#dim7 and Dbdim7 the same chord?: Yes. C#dim7 and Dbdim7 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.

Practise C#dim7 on your phone

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