Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the C Diminished 7th chord on guitar, find the notes C, D#, F#, A across the fretboard. The root C typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this seventh chord shape.

Guitar Chord

Cdim7 Guitar Chord

Four notes stacked in minor thirds. Extremely tense, used as a passing chord. Learn the C Diminished 7th chord on guitar with interactive fretboard, audio playback, and multiple voicings.

Notes
C – D# – F# – A
Intervals
0 – 3 – 6 – 9
Type
seventh chord
C D# F# A
E
A
D
G
B
e
3
5
7
9
12
4 notes · Standard (E A D G B E)

Playing the Cdim7 Guitar Chord

The Cdim7 chord is a diminished 7th chord built on the root C. It contains 4 notes: C, D#, F#, A. On guitar, this chord can be played in multiple positions across the fretboard, from open shapes to barre chord voicings.

Four notes stacked in minor thirds. Extremely tense, used as a passing chord. For guitarists, mastering the Cdim7 chord unlocks many songs in the key of C.

Recommended Cdim7 Guitar Voicing

The interactive fretboard above shows a practical Cdim7 voicing. The chord notes (C, D#, F#, A) appear as highlighted positions. Tap any highlighted fret to hear that note, or click "Play Cdim7" to hear the full chord.

Interval Structure of Cdim7

Degree Interval Semitones Note in C
Root Root (R) 0 C
3rd Minor 3rd 3 D#
5th Tritone 6 F#
7th Major 6th 9 A

Common Progressions with Cdim7 on Guitar

  • I–IV–V: Cdim7 – Fdim7 – Gdim7 (foundation of blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Cdim7 – G – Am – F (modern pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Cdim7 – Am – F – G (50s doo-wop)

Tips for Practicing Cdim7 on Guitar

Start by finding the root note C on the 6th and 5th strings. Build the chord shape from there. Practice transitioning between Cdim7 and nearby chords like F and G. Use slow, deliberate strums and check each string rings clearly.

Other C Guitar Chords

C
Major
Cm
Minor
C7
Dominant 7th
Cmaj7
Major 7th
Cm7
Minor 7th
Cdim
Diminished

Diminished 7th Chord in All 12 Keys

Cdim7 C#dim7 Ddim7 D#dim7 Edim7 Fdim7 F#dim7 Gdim7 G#dim7 Adim7 A#dim7 Bdim7
Virtual Guitar
Interactive fretboard
Cdim7 Piano
Piano chord diagram
C Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using Cdim7

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Cdim7 Guitar Chord — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

How do I play the Cdim7 chord on guitar?

To play the C Diminished 7th chord on guitar, find the notes C, D#, F#, A across the fretboard.

The root C typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this seventh chord shape.

What notes make up the Cdim7 guitar chord?

The C Diminished 7th guitar chord contains 4 notes: C, D#, F#, A.

These are derived from the diminished 7th interval formula applied to the root C.

What is the best guitar voicing for Cdim7?

The most common guitar voicing for Cdim7 uses a root position with C on the 6th or 5th string.

The exact frets depend on your preferred voicing — the interactive fretboard above shows a recommended open or barre position shape.

Is Cdim7 a beginner-friendly guitar chord?

Cdim7 has 4 notes, which may require more advanced finger stretching.

Start with the basic seventh shape and practice clean transitions.

What is a barre chord version of Cdim7?

A barre chord version of Cdim7 uses your index finger pressed across all strings at a specific fret, with the remaining fingers forming the chord shape.

The root C determines the barre position on the 6th or 5th string.

What are common chord progressions with Cdim7 on guitar?

Cdim7 is widely used in jazz ii–V–I turnarounds, blues progressions, and modal funk vamps.

How does Cdim7 sound different on guitar vs piano?

The Cdim7 chord contains the same notes (C, D#, F#, A) on both instruments.

On guitar, the voicing depends on string selection and fret position, creating a different timbre. Guitar chords often include string-specific articulations like hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Can I play Cdim7 as an open chord on guitar?

Open voicings of Cdim7 require C to be playable within the first 3 frets.

If open shapes aren't available, use a barre chord voicing instead.

What is the difference between the Cdim7 chord on guitar and ukulele?

The Cdim7 chord contains the same notes (C, D#, F#, A) on both instruments.

However, the guitar has 6 strings in EADGBE tuning while the ukulele has 4 strings in GCEA tuning, so the finger shapes are completely different.

How do I practice transitioning to and from Cdim7 on guitar?

Practice moving between Cdim7 and its neighboring chords in the key of C major: F and G.

Use a metronome at a slow tempo (60 BPM) and focus on clean, simultaneous finger placement.