Cdim7 chord on piano
C Diminished Seventh. Notes: C, Eb, Gb and A.
How to play Cdim7
- Find C at or above middle C. That is the root.
- Add Eb, Gb and A above it, skipping the keys in between.
- Right hand fingering: 1-2-3-5. Left hand: 5-3-2-1.
Notes
Cdim7 inversions
An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave. Same notes, smoother jumps between chords.
Root position
C · Eb · Gb · A1st inversion
Eb · Gb · A · C2nd inversion
Gb · A · C · Eb3rd inversion
A · C · Eb · GbNotes and theory
The diminished seventh is built entirely from minor thirds, so it repeats every three frets. It is a dramatic passing chord. The formula is 1 b3 b5 bb7, and you will also see it written as C°7 and Co7. Strictly by music theory the notes are spelled C, Eb, Gb and Bbb; Bbb is the same key as A.
More C chords
All C piano chordsdiminished seventh chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the Cdim7 chord?
Cdim7 (C diminished seventh) is made of four notes: C (root), Eb (minor third), Gb (diminished fifth) and A (diminished seventh).
How do you play Cdim7 on piano?
Play C, Eb, Gb and A together. With the right hand use fingers 1-2-3-5; with the left hand use 5-3-2-1.
What are the inversions of Cdim7?
Root position: C Eb Gb A. 1st inversion: Eb Gb A C. 2nd inversion: Gb A C Eb. 3rd inversion: A C Eb Gb.
What does a diminished seventh chord sound like?
The diminished seventh is built entirely from minor thirds, so it repeats every three frets. It is a dramatic passing chord.