How to play C Diminished 7th on ukulele
These shapes are for standard GCEA tuning. 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: 5320
- Press the 4th string (G) at fret 5.
- Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 3.
- Press the 2nd string (E) at fret 2.
- Let the 1st string ring open.
Shape 2: 5656 (from fret 5)
- Press the 4th string (G) at fret 5.
- Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 6.
- Press the 2nd string (E) at fret 5.
- Press the 1st string (A) at fret 6.
Shape 3: 8989 (from fret 8)
- Press the 4th string (G) at fret 8.
- Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 9.
- Press the 2nd string (E) at fret 8.
- Press the 1st string (A) at fret 9.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the string nearest your face 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 ukulele
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 ukulele?
The easiest C°7 shape on ukulele is 5320 (Press the 4th string (G) at fret 5. Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 3. Press the 2nd string (E) at fret 2. Let the 1st string ring open.)
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 ukulele 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 guitar, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full ukulele chord library.