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Chord & 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 & 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 & 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 →