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.
1C#b3Eb5G
Playable C# Diminished Chord voicings
Start with these chord-box shapes, then use the full fretboard below to see every chord tone.
C shape, fret 2
Low to high strings: x 4 2 x 2 3
A shape, fret 4
Low to high strings: x 4 5 6 5 x
G shape, fret 7
Low to high strings: 9 7 x 9 8 x
E shape, fret 9
Low to high strings: 9 10 11 9 x x
D shape, fret 11
Low to high strings: x x 11 12 x 12
Full fretboard map
Every C# Diminished Chord chord tone across the neck, with roots highlighted for quick orientation.
Frets 0–24. Select a position or tap a note to hear it.
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 | E |
| b5 | b5 | G |
Compatible Scales
Formula
R – b3 – b5