Minor ii-V-i
Half-diminished and diminished sounds often set up a dominant chord resolving to minor.
Guitar chord companion
C Diminished Chord
Learn the C Diminished chord on guitar with chord tones, intervals, and interactive fretboard shapes.
1Cb3Ebb5Gb
Playable C Diminished Chord voicings
Start with these chord-box shapes, then use the full fretboard below to see every chord tone.
C shape, open position
Low to high strings: x 3 1 x 1 2
A shape, fret 3
Low to high strings: x 3 4 5 4 x
G shape, fret 6
Low to high strings: 8 6 x 8 7 x
E shape, fret 8
Low to high strings: 8 9 10 8 x x
D shape, fret 10
Low to high strings: x x 10 11 x 11
Full fretboard map
Every C Diminished Chord chord tone across the neck, with roots highlighted for quick orientation.
CAGED
Common progressions using C Diminished
Try these progressions to hear the chord in context instead of treating it as an isolated shape.
Passing diminished motion
Use the tension as a connector between more stable harmony.
Chord Tones
| Degree | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | R | C |
| b3 | b3 | Eb |
| b5 | b5 | Gb |
Formula
R – b3 – b5