Bbdim7 Chord (Bb diminished 7th) on Guitar
Bbdim7 (Bb diminished 7th) is made of the notes Bb – Db – Fb – Abb. The easiest guitar fingering is x12020 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Bbdim7
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 1 (Bb).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (Fb).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (Abb).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2 (Db).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (Fb).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 1 | Bb | R |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | Fb | b5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | Abb | bb7 |
| 2nd string (B) | 2 | Db | b3 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | Fb | b5 |
What is a Bb diminished 7th chord?
A diminished 7th chord stacks three minor thirds, so every note is the same distance apart. It adds a doubly-flatted seventh to a diminished triad.
Notes and formula. Bbdim7 contains Bb, Db, Fb, Abb. Counted from the root Bb, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), b5 (diminished 5th), bb7 (diminished 7th). It is also written A#dim7; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Dramatic and unresolved, like a cliffhanger.
Where it is used. Used for dramatic passing chords in jazz, gospel, classical and ragtime.
Tips for playing Bbdim7
The shape is perfectly symmetrical: the same fingering repeats every three frets, which makes it easy to slide up and down the neck.
Common mistake: Naming it after the wrong root. Any of its four notes can be the root, so the context decides the name.
Related chords
Bbdim7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Bbdim7 chord?
Bbdim7 (Bb diminished 7th) contains the notes Bb, Db, Fb, Abb. The formula is R–b3–b5–bb7 relative to the root Bb.
How do you play Bbdim7 on guitar?
The most common shape for Bbdim7 is x12020, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Bbdim7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated advanced. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Bbdim7 the same as A#dim7?
Yes. Bb and A# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Bbdim7 and A#dim7 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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