I #Idim ii V Chord Progression

In the key of C major the I-#Idim-ii-V progression is C C#dim Dm G. In the Nashville Number System it is written 1 #1dim 2m 5.

Chords from outside the key of C major: C#dim.

Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E

Why it works

A diminished passing chord fills the gap between I and ii. The bass walks chromatically C-C#-D, and C#dim works as a rootless A7b9, the secondary dominant of ii. It gives the turnaround a vintage swing and gospel flavour.

How to use it

Normally our diminished and augmented chords are used in passing in other progressions. Here the diminished chord is an integral part of this chord progression. Sometimes the order can be mixed up a little and even sixth or maj7 chords can be added.

Songs that use it

These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.

SongArtistSectionChordsKey
Jingle Bell RockBobby HelmsverseD6 D#dim7 Em7 A7D major
I'm SorryBrenda LeechorusBb Bdim Cm FBb major
It's Only A Paper MoonNat King ColeverseFmaj7 F#dim Gm7 C9F major
SleepwalkingLily AllenchorusEbmaj7 Edim Fm7 BbEb major
Rubber DuckieErnieverseBb Bdim Cm7 F7Bb major

I #Idim ii V Chord Progression: Chords and Audio in C, G, D, A and E

Press play to hear each key. The diagrams show the shapes used in the audio, and every chord links to its full page.

Key of C major

C C guitar chord diagram
C#dim C#dim guitar chord diagram
Dm Dm guitar chord diagram
G G guitar chord diagram

Key of G major

G G guitar chord diagram
G#dim G#dim guitar chord diagram
Am Am guitar chord diagram
D D guitar chord diagram

Key of D major

D D guitar chord diagram
D#dim D#dim guitar chord diagram
Em Em guitar chord diagram
A A guitar chord diagram

Key of A major

A A guitar chord diagram
A#dim A#dim guitar chord diagram
Bm Bm guitar chord diagram
E E guitar chord diagram

Key of E major

E E guitar chord diagram
Fdim Fdim guitar chord diagram
F#m F#m guitar chord diagram
B B guitar chord diagram

More progressions like this one

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Giancarlo Facoetti, founder of FaChords Guitar

Created by

Giancarlo Facoetti

Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher

FAQ

What are the chords of the I-#Idim-ii-V progression in each key?

In C major: C C#dim Dm G. In G major: G G#dim Am D. In D major: D D#dim Em A. In A major: A A#dim Bm E. In E major: E Fdim F#m B.

Which songs use the I-#Idim-ii-V progression?

Songs that use it include Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms, I'm Sorry by Brenda Lee, It's Only A Paper Moon by Nat King Cole.