D# diminished 7th · Guitar
D#dim7 Chord on Guitar
The D#dim7 chord (D# diminished 7th) is built from the notes D#, F#, A and C. The guitar fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Ebdim7; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 6 (E): muted
- string 5 (A): muted
- string 4 (D): fret 1 — index finger
- string 3 (G): fret 2 — ring finger
- string 2 (B): fret 1 — middle finger
- string 1 (E): fret 2 — little finger
Notes in this chord
- D♯
- F♯
- A
- C
Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7
Also written: Ebdim7
How to play
D#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 D#dim7 this structure sits on the root D#, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7 map onto D#, F#, A and C.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the D#dim7 chord?
- D#dim7 contains the notes D#, F#, A and C. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭♭7.
- How many ways can you play D#dim7?
- Minory lists a single guitar fingering for D#dim7.
- Is the D#dim7 chord hard to play?
- D#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 D#dim7 and Ebdim7 the same chord?
- Yes. D#dim7 and Ebdim7 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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