Cdim7 7e Diminuée Accord

Four notes stacked in minor thirds. Extremely tense, used as a passing chord.

Cdim7 Accord — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The Cdim7 (Diminished 7th) chord consists of the notes C, D#, F#, A. It is constructed from the root note C using the diminished 7th interval formula (0–3–6–9 semitones).

Formula: 0 – 3 – 6 – 9
Notes
C – D# – F# – A
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 3 – 6 – 9
Type
7th Chord

Cdim7 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Cdim7 chord.

R
C (Root (R))
2
D# (Minor 3rd (♭3))
3
F# (Tritone (♭5))
4
A (Major 6th / Dim 7th)

Cdim7 on Guitar

The Cdim7 chord uses notes C, D#, F#, A. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

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

About the C 7e Diminuée Chord

The Cdim7 chord (C 7e Diminuée) consists of 4 notes: C, D#, F#, A. Four notes stacked in minor thirds. Extremely tense, used as a passing chord.

To build any diminished 7th chord, apply intervals of 0, 3, 6, 9 semitones above the root. Starting from C: the notes land on C, D#, F#, A.

Playing Cdim7 on Piano

Press C, D#, F#, A simultaneously. In root position, C is lowest. First inversion places D# in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses F# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Cdim7

  • I–IV–V: Cdim7 – Fdim7 – Gdim7 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Cdim7 – G – Am – F (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Cdim7 – Am – F – G (50s progression)

The Cdim7 Chord in Context

The Cdim7 (7e Diminuée) chord features a distinctive four notes stacked in minor thirds. extremely tense, used as a passing chord. built from the intervals 0–3–6–9. It provides rich harmonic color and tension across pop, jazz, classical, and contemporary compositions.

Other C Chords

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

7e Diminuée Chord in All 12 Keys

Cdim7 C#dim7 Ddim7 D#dim7 Edim7 Fdim7 F#dim7 Gdim7 G#dim7 Adim7 A#dim7 Bdim7
Virtual Piano
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Virtual Guitar
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C Scale
Notes that fit Cdim7
Songs
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Knowledge Base & FAQs

Cdim7 Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

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

What notes are in the Cdim7 chord?

The C 7e Diminuée chord contains: C, D#, F#, A.

These notes are derived by applying the diminished 7th interval formula (0–3–6–9 semitones) to the root note C.

What is the Cdim7 chord used for?

Four notes stacked in minor thirds.

Extremely tense, used as a passing chord. The Cdim7 chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of C major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.

How do you play Cdim7 on piano?

On piano, play C, D#, F#, A simultaneously.

In root position, C is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has D# lowest, second inversion has F# lowest.

How many notes are in a diminished 7th chord?

A diminished 7th chord has 4 notes: C, D#, F#, A (in C).

It is a 7th chord, extending beyond the basic triad.

What is the difference between C major and C minor?

The C major chord (C–E–G) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound.

The C minor chord (C–D#–G) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.

What key does Cdim7 belong to?

Cdim7 naturally serves as the I chord in the key of C major.

It also appears as IV in the key of G major, and as V in the key of F major.

Can I play Cdim7 on ukulele?

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Cdim7 chord notes (C, D#, F#, A) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.

What chords go well with Cdim7?

In the key of C major, Cdim7 pairs naturally with F major (IV), G major (V), and Am (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (Cdim7–F–G) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

What is a chord inversion of Cdim7?

An inversion places a non-root note in the bass.

Cdim7 root position: C in bass. First inversion: D# in bass. Second inversion: F# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.

How do I memorize the notes in a diminished 7th chord?

Remember the formula: 0–3–6–9 semitones from root.

For Cdim7: start on C, add 3 semitones, then 6 semitones, then 9 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any diminished 7th chord.