C#dim Chord (C# diminished) on Guitar
C#dim (C# diminished) is made of the notes C# – E – G. The easiest guitar fingering is x42020 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play C#dim
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4 (C#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (E).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2 (C#).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 4 | C# | R |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | E | b3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | b5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 2 | C# | R |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | b3 |
What is a C# diminished chord?
A diminished chord stacks two minor thirds: root, minor third and diminished (flat) fifth.
Notes and formula. C#dim contains C#, E, G. Counted from the root C#, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), b5 (diminished 5th). It is also written Dbdim; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Tense, unstable and spooky. It sounds like it must move somewhere.
Where it is used. Used as a passing chord between two diatonic chords, as in a movie suspense cue, and in jazz and classical music.
Tips for playing C#dim
Because the chord is symmetrical, the same shape moved up three frets gives the same notes in a different order.
Common mistake: Leaving the chord hanging. Diminished chords almost always resolve up a half step.
Keys that contain C#dim
C#dim is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Related chords
C#dim chord FAQ
What notes are in a C#dim chord?
C#dim (C# diminished) contains the notes C#, E, G. The formula is R–b3–b5 relative to the root C#.
How do you play C#dim on guitar?
The most common shape for C#dim is x42020, 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 C#dim an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is C#dim the same as Dbdim?
Yes. C# and Db are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so C#dim and Dbdim sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Which keys contain C#dim?
C#dim is a diatonic chord in D major (vii°), B minor (ii°).
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