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Chord & 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 & 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 & 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 →