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C# Diminished Guitar Chord (C#dim)

C# Diminished (C#dim) is built from C#, E, G, which is the 1P - 3m - 5d formula measured from the root C#. This page shows 5 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.

Diminished
Notes: C# · E · GIntervals: 1P – 3m – 5d

Fingerings for C#dim

C#dimlow E at fret 1, A at fret 2, D at fret 3, G muted, B muted, high E at fret 4
C#dimlow E muted, A at fret 1, D at fret 2, G at fret 3, B at fret 2, high E muted
C#dimlow E muted, A at fret 2, D muted, G at fret 4, B at fret 3, high E at fret 1
C#dimlow E muted, A muted, D at fret 4, G at fret 2, B at fret 1, high E at fret 2
C#dimlow E muted, A muted, D at fret 1, G at fret 2, B at fret 4, high E at fret 2

Notes in C#dim

  • C#1P
  • E3m
  • G5d

How to play C#dim

C# Diminished Guitar Chord (C#dim) is unstable and cinematic, used as a passing or tension chord.

Beginner tip

Diminished shapes move in small steps, so keep your hand relaxed and shift rather than stretch.

Practice idea

Slide it up three frets at a time and notice it repeats its own shape.

C#dim FAQ

What notes are in C# Diminished?
C# Diminished (C#dim) contains C#, E, G. In interval terms that is 1P - 3m - 5d above the root C#.
How do you play C#dim on guitar?
The most common shape here is "C#dim": low E at fret 1, A at fret 2, D at fret 3, G muted, B muted, high E at fret 4.
Is C#dim hard for beginners?
It sits in the diminished family. Diminished shapes move in small steps, so keep your hand relaxed and shift rather than stretch.

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