Explore the C#dim Guitar Chord: Interactive Practice & Theory
The C# diminished chord is usually written C#dim and uses the notes C#, E and G. Diminished triads often work as passing chords between two more stable chords, connecting them with a step of tension. The listed voicings run from fret 2 up to fret 11.
It also goes by the name Dbdim, which sounds the same. The chord tones all belong to the C# Locrian scale, a good starting scale when you improvise over this chord. The wider family is covered in our guide to diminished chords. Switch on the microphone in the interactive fretboard at the top, play the chord and see which strings ring.
C# diminished guitar chord is also written as C#dim, C#°, C#m(b5) or C#mb5.
C# dim chord Notes:
Chord formula for the Diminished chord:
Formula: 1 b3 b5
C# Dim Chord Interactive Fretboard
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C# Dim Guitar Chord Diagrams
Position 1 Movable
Finger Positions
- Mute the low E string
- Mute the high E string
- Place your index finger (1) on the fret 4 of the A string
- Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 5 of the D string
- Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 5 of the B string
- Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 6 of the G string
Position 2 Movable
Finger Positions
- Mute the low E string
- Mute the A string
- Place your index finger (1) on the fret 8 of the B string
- Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 9 of the high E string
- Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 9 of the G string
- Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 11 of the D string
Position 3 Barre Movable
Finger Positions
- Mute the B string
- Mute the high E string
- Place your index finger (1) on the fret 9 of the low E and G strings at the same time
- Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 10 of the A string
- Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 11 of the D string
Position 4 Open
Finger Positions
- Mute the low E string
- Mute the D string
- Let the G string play without pressing any fret
- Mute the B string
- Place your index finger (1) on the fret 3 of the high E string
- Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 4 of the A string
Position 5 Movable
Finger Positions
- Mute the low E string
- Mute the G string
- Mute the B string
- Mute the high E string
- Place your index finger (1) on the fret 2 of the D string
- Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 4 of the A string
Find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
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Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What are the notes of the C# diminished chord?
C#dim consists of C#, E and G. That is the root, a minor third and a flat fifth. The distance from C# to G is six semitones, a diminished fifth.
Why does C#dim sound unstable compared with a C# minor chord?
A C# minor chord has a perfect fifth, G#. C#dim lowers that note to G, so the root and fifth form a tritone. Without a perfect fifth the chord has no settled, restful sound.
Which key has C#dim as its vii chord?
C#dim is the vii chord of D major, the diminished triad on its seventh degree. C#, E and G are all notes of that scale, and the chord tends to lean toward D.
Which scale should I choose for C# diminished?
The C# Locrian scale, with the notes C#, D, E, F#, G, A and B, contains every tone of the chord. That makes it a reliable source of notes over C#dim.
How many C#dim voicings are there, and do any use open strings?
There are 5 voicings, and 1 uses an open string. Another of them uses a barre. Together they range from fret 2 up to fret 11.
