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.
Frets 0–24. Select a position or tap a note to hear it.
CAGED
Progression examples using C Diminished
Try these progressions to hear the harmony in context. On bass, outline each chord with individual target tones.
Passing diminished motion
Use the tension as a connector between more stable harmony.
Chord Tones
| Degree | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | C |
| b3 | m3 | Eb |
| b5 | d5 | Gb |
Scales Containing the Complete Formula
Complete Formula
1 – b3 – b5
Compound degrees retain their names: 9, 11, and 13 are extensions. A voicing may place their pitches in a closer register.