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Chord and Fret

Edim7 — diminished seventh

Notes in Edim7: E – G – Bb – DbFormula: 1 – b3 – b5 – bb7

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

The diminished seventh stacks three minor thirds (1–b3–b5–bb7), forming a symmetrical and highly tense chord. It can stand in for a dominant with the root omitted.

The same chord on all four instruments

Edim7, x x 2 3 2 3Edim71324××EA#C#G
Guitar
Edim7, x x 2 3 2 3Edim71324××EA#C#G
Electric guitar
Edim7, 2 3 2 5Edim71324EA#C#G
Cavaquinho
Edim7, 0 1 0 1Edim712GC#EA#
Ukulele

Where to use it: Between two neighbouring chords it acts as a half-step stair: in C → C#° → DmDmDmDm it is the little step that pushes the music forward. In practice it is a passing chord — you barely notice it, but you feel the motion.

This is just one shape of Edim7. In Chord and Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord and Fret →

Part of the Sevenths family.

Other chords in this family

Emaj7Emaj7Emaj7Emaj7E7E7E7E7Em7Em7Em7Em7Em(maj7)Em7(b5)E7(#5)E7(b5)

See all chord types and qualities →