Construction
C♯ Diminished = Root + Minor 3rd + Diminished 5th = C♯, E, G
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C♯ | Root | 1 |
| E | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| G | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
How to Play the C♯ Diminished
Right Hand (RH)
Place your right hand over the keys with the thumb on the root. Use the fingering: 2 – 3 – 5
Left Hand (LH)
For the left hand, start with your pinky on the root. Use the fingering: 5 – 3 – 2
C♯ Diminished Inversions
- Root positionC♯ – E – G
- 1st inversion (C♯dim/E)E – G – C♯
- 2nd inversion (C♯dim/G)G – C♯ – E
C♯ Diminished : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C♯ Diminished chord on piano?
The C♯ Diminished chord contains the notes C♯ – E – G. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the C# Diminished chord?
The C# Diminished chord contains: C# (root), E (minor third), and G (diminished fifth). Both intervals are compressed: the minor third is 3 semitones above the root, and the diminished fifth is 6 semitones, a tritone.
How does C# Diminished differ from C# Minor?
C# Minor has a perfect fifth. C# Diminished lowers the fifth by one semitone to G (diminished fifth). That extra compression creates intense harmonic tension: the tritone between root and diminished fifth is the most dissonant interval in Western music.
What is the symbol for the C# Diminished?
C# Diminished is written as C#dim or C#°. The ° or "dim" symbol means both the third and fifth are minor/diminished. Do not confuse with C#dim7 or C#ø (half-diminished), which include additional notes.
What are the inversions of C# Diminished?
First inversion (C# Diminished/E): E–G–C#. Second inversion (C# Diminished/G): G–C#–E. Diminished triads are used in classical music as the vii° chord, the chord one semitone below the tonic, with strong resolution pull.
How is C# Diminished used in music?
C# Diminished most commonly functions as the vii° chord in a major key, creating strong resolution back to the tonic. It also works as a chromatic passing chord between two nearby chords, and in classical music as a brief point of dissonance. Jazz uses the full four-note dim7 more often than the triad.
What songs use diminished chords?
Michelle (Beatles) uses a diminished chord as a chromatic passing chord. Many classical pieces use vii°–I cadences. Jazz standards use dim7 chords as chromatic passing and approach chords. Diminished harmony also appears in flamenco and film music for dramatic tension.