How to play C Diminished 7th on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: x31212
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 4th strings at fret 1 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 2.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 89(10)8(10)8 (from fret 8)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 6th strings at fret 8 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 9.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 10.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 10.
Shape 3: xx(10)(11)(10)(11) (from fret 10)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 10.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 11.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 10.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 11.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in C Diminished 7th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| C | 1 (root) |
| E♭ | ♭3 |
| G♭ | ♭5 |
| B𝄫 | 𝄫7 |
The formula for C Diminished 7th (fully diminished) is 1 ♭3 ♭5 𝄫7: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use C°7
Diminished 7th chords are dramatic and unstable. Because they repeat every three frets, one shape serves four chords, and they are used to pass between chords and to lead to a target a half step above.
Other C chords
C, Cm, C7, Cmaj7, Cm7, Csus2, Csus4, C°, C+, Cadd9, C6, Cø7
Other diminished 7th chords on guitar
C♯°7, D°7, E♭°7, E°7, F°7, F♯°7, G°7, G♯°7, A°7, B♭°7, B°7
Frequently asked questions
How do you play C Diminished 7th on guitar?
The easiest C°7 shape on guitar is x31212 (Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 4th strings at fret 1 (a barre). Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2. Press the 1st string (e) at fret 2. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in C Diminished 7th?
C Diminished 7th (C°7) contains the notes C E♭ G♭ B𝄫. The formula is 1 ♭3 ♭5 𝄫7.
How many guitar shapes are there for C°7?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See C Diminished 7th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.