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Chord and Fret

Fdim7 — diminished seventh

Notes in Fdim7: F – Ab – Cb – EbbFormula: 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

Fdim7, 1 x 0 1 0 xFdim712F×DG#B×
Guitar
Fdim7, 1 x 0 1 0 xFdim712F×DG#B×
Electric guitar
Fdim7, 3 1 0 0Fdim721FG#BD
Cavaquinho
Fdim7, 1 2 1 2Fdim71324G#DFB
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 Fdim7. In Chord and Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. 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

Fmaj7Fmaj7Fmaj7Fmaj7F7F7F7F7Fm7Fm7Fm7Fm7Fm(maj7)Fm7(b5)F7(#5)F7(b5)

See all chord types and qualities →