Cdim chord on piano
C Diminished. Notes: C, Eb and Gb.
How to play Cdim
- Find C at or above middle C. That is the root.
- Add Eb and Gb above it, skipping the keys in between.
- Right hand fingering: 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky). Left hand: 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
Notes
Cdim inversions
An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave. Same notes, smoother jumps between chords.
Root position
C · Eb · Gb1st inversion
Eb · Gb · C2nd inversion
Gb · C · EbNotes and theory
The diminished triad stacks two minor thirds. It sounds tense and unstable and is mostly used as a passing chord. The formula is 1 b3 b5, and you will also see it written as C° and Co.
Keys that use Cdim
More C chords
All C piano chordsdiminished chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the Cdim chord?
Cdim (C diminished) is made of three notes: C (root), Eb (minor third) and Gb (diminished fifth).
How do you play Cdim on piano?
Play C, Eb and Gb together. With the right hand use fingers 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky); with the left hand use 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
What are the inversions of Cdim?
Root position: C Eb Gb. 1st inversion: Eb Gb C. 2nd inversion: Gb C Eb.
What key is Cdim in?
Cdim belongs to 2 keys: D flat major (as the vii° chord) and B flat minor (as the ii° chord).
What does a diminished chord sound like?
The diminished triad stacks two minor thirds. It sounds tense and unstable and is mostly used as a passing chord.