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Chord & Fret

G#dim7 — diminished seventh

Also written Abdim7 — the same chord, spelled the other way.

Notes in G#dim7: G# – B – D – FFormula: 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

G#dim7, 4 x 3 4 3 xG#dim73142G#×FBD×
Guitar
G#dim7, 4 x 3 4 3 xG#dim73142G#×FBD×
Electric guitar
G#dim7, 3 1 0 0G#dim721FG#BD
Cavaquinho
G#dim7, 1 2 1 2G#dim71324G#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.

Every region of the neck hides more shapes of G#dim7. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Sevenths family.

Other chords in this family

Abmaj7Abmaj7Abmaj7Abmaj7G#7G#7G#7G#7G#m7G#m7G#m7G#m7Abm(maj7)G#m7(b5)Ab7(#5)G#7(b5)

See all chord types and qualities →