How to Play A Diminished 7 Guitar Chord: A Comprehensive Guide with Diagrams

Published on 20 June 2023 10 min read

Understanding Diminished 7 Chords

Incorporating Diminished 7 Chords into Progressions

Famous Songs Using Diminished 7 Chords

Learning how to play a diminished 7 guitar chord can be a game-changer for your guitar playing skills. This unique chord can add a touch of dissonance and tension to your music, making it sound more interesting and captivating. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the essential aspects of a diminished 7 guitar chord and provide you with helpful diagrams, practice techniques, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, this guide will help you master the art of playing a diminished 7 chord with ease and confidence.

Understanding Diminished 7 Chords

Before we dive into playing a diminished 7 guitar chord, let's take a moment to understand what this chord is all about. A diminished 7 chord is a four-note chord built from a root note, a minor third, a diminished fifth, and a diminished seventh. Here are some key points to remember about diminished 7 chords:

Dissonant and tense: These chords create a sense of tension and dissonance in music, making them perfect for adding drama and depth.
Rootless chords: One interesting aspect of diminished 7 chords is that they can function as rootless chords. This means that any note in the chord can act as the root note, giving you more flexibility and versatility in your playing.
Symmetrical structure: The notes of a diminished 7 chord are evenly spaced, making it easy to transpose and play in different positions on the guitar neck.
Leading-tone chords: Diminished 7 chords often serve as leading-tone chords, resolving to a more stable chord in your progression. This can create a sense of resolution and emotional release in your music.

Now that you have a basic understanding of what a diminished 7 guitar chord is and how it functions in music, let's move on to the fretboard basics and chord shapes you'll need to play these intriguing chords.

Fretboard Basics

Before we start learning different diminished 7 chord shapes, it's important to be familiar with the fretboard basics. This will help you easily find and play the right notes for a diminished 7 guitar chord. Here are a few key concepts to keep in mind:

Frets: Frets are the metal bars on the guitar neck that divide the neck into individual note spaces. To play a note, press your finger down just behind a fret and pluck the string.
Strings: A standard guitar has six strings, numbered one through six, from the thinnest string (high E) to the thickest string (low E). Remember, the string numbers will be helpful when learning fingerings and chord shapes.
Notes: The guitar fretboard consists of 12 unique notes, which repeat in higher or lower octaves as you move up or down the neck. Knowing the note names on the fretboard will help you quickly find the root notes for a diminished 7 guitar chord.
Intervals: Intervals are the spaces between notes. In a diminished 7 chord, the intervals are a minor third, a diminished fifth, and a diminished seventh. Understanding intervals will help you build diminished 7 chords from any root note on the fretboard.

With these fretboard basics in mind, you'll be well-prepared to start learning various diminished 7 chord shapes and fingerings. Let's dive in!

Diminished 7 Chord Shapes

Now that you're familiar with the fretboard basics, it's time to learn some diminished 7 chord shapes. Remember, a diminished 7 guitar chord consists of four notes: the root, a minor third, a diminished fifth, and a diminished seventh. Here are three common diminished 7 chord shapes to get you started:

Shape 1:

- Root on the 6th string (low E) - Minor third on the 5th string - Diminished fifth on the 4th string - Diminished seventh on the 3rd string

This shape is great for playing diminished 7 chords with the root note on the low E string. For example, to play an A diminished 7 guitar chord, find the A note on the 6th string (5th fret) and apply this shape.

Shape 2:

- Root on the 5th string (A) - Minor third on the 4th string - Diminished fifth on the 3rd string - Diminished seventh on the 2nd string

Use this shape to play a diminished 7 guitar chord with the root note on the A string. For instance, to play a B diminished 7 chord, find the B note on the 5th string (2nd fret) and apply this shape.

Shape 3:

- Root on the 4th string (D) - Minor third on the 3rd string - Diminished fifth on the 2nd string - Diminished seventh on the 1st string (high E)

This shape is perfect for playing diminished 7 chords with the root note on the D string. To play a C diminished 7 guitar chord, locate the C note on the 4th string (10th fret) and apply this shape.

Practice these three diminished 7 chord shapes until you feel comfortable playing them anywhere on the fretboard. Once you've mastered these shapes, you'll be well on your way to incorporating a diminished 7 guitar chord into your playing!

Common Fingerings

Once you've learned the diminished 7 chord shapes, it's important to know the common fingerings for playing these chords. Using the right fingers will make it easier for you to switch between chords and play them smoothly. Let's take a look at the common fingerings for each shape:

Shape 1 (Root on 6th string):

- Index finger: Root note (6th string) - Ring finger: Minor third (5th string) - Middle finger: Diminished fifth (4th string) - Pinky finger: Diminished seventh (3rd string)

Using these fingers allows you to move between chords easily and maintain good hand position.

Shape 2 (Root on 5th string):

- Index finger: Root note (5th string) - Ring finger: Minor third (4th string) - Middle finger: Diminished fifth (3rd string) - Pinky finger: Diminished seventh (2nd string)

Similar to Shape 1, this fingering provides a comfortable hand position and makes chord transitions smoother.

Shape 3 (Root on 4th string):

- Index finger: Root note (4th string) - Ring finger: Minor third (3rd string) - Middle finger: Diminished fifth (2nd string) - Pinky finger: Diminished seventh (1st string)

This fingering ensures that your hand is in the right position, allowing you to play the chord cleanly and transition to other chords with ease.

Remember, the key to mastering a diminished 7 guitar chord is practice. Keep working on these shapes and fingerings, and soon you'll be able to play them with confidence. Your hard work will pay off!

Practice Techniques

Now that you know the common fingerings for playing a diminished 7 guitar chord, it's time to start practicing. But how do you make sure that your practice sessions are effective? Here are some tips and techniques to help you master the diminished 7 chord:

1. Start slow and build up speed

Begin by playing the chord shapes slowly, focusing on the accuracy of your finger placement. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the speed at which you play the chords. This will help you build muscle memory and prevent any bad habits from forming.

2. Use a metronome

Practicing with a metronome will help you develop your sense of timing and rhythm. Start with a slow tempo, and as you become more comfortable, increase the speed. This will also help you transition between chords more smoothly.

3. Practice switching between chords

Once you can play each diminished 7 chord shape comfortably, practice transitioning between different chord shapes. This will help you develop the ability to switch chords quickly and seamlessly in your playing.

4. Break up your practice sessions

Instead of practicing for long periods of time, try breaking up your practice sessions into shorter, focused segments. This will help you maintain concentration and prevent fatigue.

5. Incorporate the diminished 7 chord into songs

As you become more confident with the diminished 7 chord, try incorporating it into songs that you know. This will help you understand how the chord fits into different musical contexts and make your playing more versatile.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep working on these techniques, and you'll master the diminished 7 guitar chord in no time.

Incorporating Diminished 7 Chords into Progressions

Playing a diminished 7 guitar chord is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly make the most of this unique chord, you'll need to understand how to incorporate it into chord progressions. Here are some tips and ideas to help you get started:

1. Use diminished 7 chords as passing chords

Diminished 7 chords work well as passing chords, meaning they can be used to connect two other chords in a progression. For example, if you have a progression that goes Cmaj7 - Gmaj7, try inserting a C#dim7 in between, creating a smooth transition: Cmaj7 - C#dim7 - Gmaj7.

2. Create tension and resolution

One of the most effective uses of a diminished 7 chord is to create tension that resolves to a more stable chord. For instance, try playing Bdim7 followed by Cmaj7. The tension created by the diminished 7 chord naturally wants to resolve to the major 7 chord, producing a satisfying resolution.

3. Substitute for dominant 7 chords

Diminished 7 chords can also be used as a substitute for dominant 7 chords, especially when you want to add a little more tension to your progression. If you have a progression that goes G7 - Cmaj7, try replacing the G7 with a G#dim7 for a more dramatic effect: G#dim7 - Cmaj7.

4. Experiment with different chord voicings

As you become more comfortable with diminished 7 chords, try experimenting with different chord voicings to create unique progressions. This can help you develop your own signature sound and add depth to your playing.

Remember, the key to incorporating a diminished 7 guitar chord into your progressions is to be creative and open-minded. Don't be afraid to experiment and take risks in your playing – you never know what exciting new sounds you might discover!

Guitar Gear Recommendations

Now that you're comfortable with playing a diminished 7 guitar chord, you might be wondering what kind of gear can help you achieve the best sound. Here are some recommendations to enhance your playing experience:

1. Choose the right guitar

There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the perfect guitar, as it depends on personal preference and playing style. However, some popular choices for playing chords like the diminished 7 are semi-hollow or hollow-body guitars, which tend to have a warm and smooth sound.

2. Use appropriate strings

The type of strings you use can greatly impact your sound. For playing chords, medium gauge strings are usually a good choice. They provide a balance between playability and tone, making it easier to fret chords like the diminished 7.

3. Invest in a quality amplifier

A good amplifier can make all the difference in your sound. Be sure to choose one that has a clean channel if you plan to play a lot of chords. This will help you achieve a clear and balanced tone when playing diminished 7 chords.

4. Consider using effect pedals

Effect pedals can add depth and character to your sound. Some popular options for enhancing your diminished 7 chord playing include reverb and chorus pedals. Reverb can give your chords a sense of space, while chorus can add a lush, shimmering quality.

Ultimately, the gear that works best for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect setup for playing a diminished 7 guitar chord and beyond.

Famous Songs Using Diminished 7 Chords

Diminished 7 chords may not be as common as major or minor chords, but they can still be found in some well-known songs across various genres. Here are a few examples of famous songs that feature a diminished 7 guitar chord, showcasing its versatility and unique sound:

1. "Michelle" by The Beatles

In this classic Beatles tune, the diminished 7 chord appears in the bridge, adding a sense of tension and resolution to the song. This is a great example of how a diminished 7 guitar chord can be used effectively in a pop context.

2. "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin

Although not as prominent as other chords in the song, a diminished 7 chord can be found in the intro of this iconic rock anthem. Its use adds an interesting flavor to the chord progression, contributing to the song's unforgettable sound.

3. "My Funny Valentine" by Rodgers and Hart

This jazz standard features a diminished 7 chord in its chord progression, demonstrating the diminished 7's ability to create a sense of sophistication and complexity in a composition. The song has been covered by numerous artists, each adding their own interpretation of the chords, including the diminished 7.

4. "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys

As a testament to Brian Wilson's innovative songwriting, this Beach Boys classic employs a diminished 7 chord in its chord progression. The use of this chord adds a unique harmonic color to the song, setting it apart from other pop tunes of its time.

These examples highlight the versatility and unique sound of the diminished 7 guitar chord. As you continue to explore and practice this chord, you'll likely encounter it in many other songs, further expanding your understanding and appreciation of its role in music.

Further Learning Resources

Mastering the diminished 7 guitar chord is just the beginning of your guitar journey. To further develop your skills and knowledge, here are some resources that can help you dive deeper into the world of guitar chords and music theory:

1. Books

The Guitar Handbook by Ralph Denyer: This comprehensive guide covers everything from guitar anatomy and maintenance to chords, scales, and music theory.
Chord Chemistry by Ted Greene: A classic book on guitar chords and chord theory, this book is perfect for expanding your understanding of chords, including diminished 7 chords.
Fretboard Logic SE by Bill Edwards: This book focuses on the unique layout of the guitar fretboard, helping you build a solid foundation in chord and scale knowledge.

2. Websites

JustinGuitar: Featuring free video lessons and tutorials, this website covers a wide range of guitar topics, from beginner to advanced techniques.
Guitar Tricks: This subscription-based website offers a vast library of video lessons, covering everything from chords and scales to specific songs and techniques.
JamPlay: Another subscription-based website, JamPlay offers a variety of video lessons and resources, as well as live workshops and masterclasses.

3. Mobile Apps

ChordBank: This app offers a vast library of guitar chords, including a diminished 7 guitar chord, and provides helpful diagrams and instructions for learning each chord.
Fretboard Trainer: Designed to help you memorize the fretboard, this app is an excellent tool for building your understanding of guitar chords and scales.
Yousician: This interactive app offers lessons and exercises for learning guitar, piano, bass, and ukulele, with a focus on practicing through playing popular songs.

With these resources at your disposal, you'll be well-equipped to enhance your guitar skills and gain a deeper understanding of chords, including the diminished 7 guitar chord. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep working on those fingerings and chord shapes, and soon you'll be incorporating diminished 7 chords into your playing with ease.

If you're interested in taking your skills to the next level and truly excelling in your creative field, don't miss the workshop 'How to Get Better at What You Do - Go from Good to Great!' by Debbie Knox-Hewson. This workshop will provide you with actionable tips and strategies to help you improve, grow, and achieve greatness in your creative pursuits.