C# Diminished 7th

Notes:C# – E – G – A#
Formula:R-m3-d5-d7
Intervals:P1-m3-d5-d7
Scale Degrees:1-b3-b5-bb7

Introduction

The C# Diminished 7th piano chord (C#dim7) consists of the notes C#, E, G, A#. It is built by stacking three minor thirds, creating a fully symmetrical 4-note chord, giving it a extremely tense and dramatic character, fully symmetrical and harmonically versatile. Formula: R-m3-d5-d7 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-b5-bb7.

Enharmonic equivalent: C♯ is enharmonically equivalent to D♭. See Db Diminished 7th.

Notes

Notes:C# – E – G – A#

C# Diminished 7th Inversions

PositionNotes
Root PositionC#4 – E4 – G4 – A#4
1st InversionE4 – G4 – A#4 – C#5
2nd InversionG4 – A#4 – C#5 – E5
3rd InversionC#4 – E4 – G4 – A#3

Key Signature

The key of C# Diminished 7th has 7 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯, E♯, B♯.

FCGDAEB

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-m3-d5-d7
Intervals: P1-m3-d5-d7

The C# Diminished 7th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-m3-d5-d7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-m3-d5-d7 show the distance between each note in the chord.

C# Diminished 7th — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C# Diminished 7th chord?

C# Diminished 7th is built from the C# root. Check the interactive keyboard above for exact notes and fingering.

How is the C# Diminished 7th chord used in music?

C# Diminished 7th appears in jazz, pop, and classical contexts. Its sound depends on the chord quality (Diminished 7th).

What is the fingering for C# Diminished 7th?

See the fingering chart above. Right hand typically uses thumb on root. Left hand uses pinky on root.

What are the inversions of C# Diminished 7th?

Use the inversion buttons above to see each inversion with notes, fingering, and staff notation.

Practice Tips

  • Symmetrical — only 3 unique dim7 chords.
  • Pivot chord for modulation.
  • Maximum dramatic tension.
  • Classical cadence chord.
  • Compare with C#m7b5.
  • Film scoring suspense.