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C#dim(Diminished Chord)

Built from two stacked minor thirds. Creates maximum tension and instability.

Notes
C# – E – G
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 3 – 6
Type
Triad

🎹 C#dim on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the C#dim chord.

R
C#(Root (R))
2
E(Minor 3rd (♭3))
3
G(Tritone (♭5))

🎸 C#dim on Guitar

The C#dim chord uses notes C#, E, G. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in C#
RootRoot (R)0C#
3rdMinor 3rd (♭3)3E
5thTritone (♭5)6G

About the C# Diminished Chord

The C#dim chord (C# Diminished) consists of 3 notes: C#, E, G. Built from two stacked minor thirds. Creates maximum tension and instability.

To build any diminished chord, apply intervals of 0, 3, 6 semitones above the root. Starting from C#: the notes land on C#, E, G.

Playing C#dim on Piano

Press C#, E, G simultaneously. In root position, C# is lowest. First inversion places E in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses G as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using C#dim

  • I–IV–V: C#dim – F#dim – G#dim (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: C#dim – G# – A#m – F# (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: C#dim – A#m – F# – G# (50s progression)

The C#dim Chord in Context

As a diminished chord, C#dim is the tonic (I) in the key of C# major. It also appears as the IV chord in G# major, and as the V chord in F# major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

Other C# Chords

C#
Major
C#m
Minor
C#7
Dominant 7th
C#maj7
Major 7th
C#m7
Minor 7th
C#aug
Augmented

Diminished Chord in All 12 Keys

CdimC#dimDdimD#dimEdimFdimF#dimGdimG#dimAdimA#dimBdim
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play C#dim on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 C# Scale
Notes that fit C#dim
🎶 Songs
Find songs using C#dim

FAQ

C#dim Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C#dim chord?
The C# Diminished chord contains: C#, E, G. These notes are derived by applying the diminished interval formula (0–3–6 semitones) to the root note C#.
What is the C#dim chord used for?
Built from two stacked minor thirds. Creates maximum tension and instability. The C#dim chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of C# major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play C#dim on piano?
On piano, play C#, E, G simultaneously. In root position, C# is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has E lowest, second inversion has G lowest.
How many notes are in a diminished chord?
A diminished chord has 3 notes: C#, E, G (in C#). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between C# major and C# minor?
The C# major chord (C#–F–G#) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The C# minor chord (C#–E–G#) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does C#dim belong to?
C#dim naturally serves as the I chord in the key of C# major. It also appears as IV in the key of G# major, and as V in the key of F# major.
Can I play C#dim on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The C#dim chord notes (C#, E, G) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with C#dim?
In the key of C# major, C#dim pairs naturally with F# major (IV), G# major (V), and A#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (C#dim–F#–G#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of C#dim?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. C#dim root position: C# in bass. First inversion: E in bass. Second inversion: G in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a diminished chord?
Remember the formula: 0–3–6 semitones from root. For C#dim: start on C#, add 3 semitones, then 6 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any diminished chord.