About the Ddim7 chord
The diminished seventh is built entirely from minor thirds, so the same shape repeats every three frets. It is a dramatic passing chord in jazz, gypsy swing and classical music. The symbol for it is Ddim7.
How to play Ddim7
- Lay your index finger flat across the top 4 strings at fret 3, pressing just behind the fret.
- Put your middle finger on the G string at fret 4.
- Put your ring finger on the high E string at fret 4.
- Put your little finger on the A string at fret 5.
- Strum and don't play the low E string.
1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 little
Other D chords
Ddim7 chord questions
What notes are in a Ddim7 chord?
Ddim7 is made of D, F, A♭ and C♭. In intervals that is 1, ♭3, ♭5, 𝄫7 above the root, D.
What is the easiest way to play Ddim7?
The first shape above is the most common one: x 5 3 4 3 4 from the low E string to the high E, where x means don't play that string and 0 means play it open. Start there, and try the other shapes once it feels comfortable.
Is Ddim7 a barre chord?
The main shape uses a barre, where one finger holds down several strings at once. Press just behind the fret and roll the finger slightly onto its side.