A phrase in D major
- D
- C♯dim
- A7
- D
Hear C♯dim in a tonic–chord–dominant–tonic phrase. Its role depends on its position, not just its quality.
Discover the chord. Understand the music.
Explore notes on guitar or piano, uncover their harmony, and turn your ideas into practice.
Selected:D♭4E4G4
- Root
- 3rd / sus
- 5th
- 7th
- 6th / extensions
C♯dim
C♯ diminished
A root, a minor third and a diminished fifth — two stacked minor thirds.
- Chord tones
- C♯1 · RootE♭3 · 3rdG♭5 · 5th
- Formula
- 1–♭3–♭5
- Root / bass
- C♯ / C♯
- Notes played (low → high)
- D♭4 · E4 · G4
C♯dim · diminished
How to Use This Chord
Sound & role
An unstable colour; its destination determines whether it connects chords or creates tension.
Genre examples
Classical
Jazz
Examples of musical settings, not restrictions or claims about how often this chord appears.
Connection & passing potential
A diminished chord can connect to a chord a semitone above its root. It is a passing connection only when placed between surrounding harmonies; the example below demonstrates the resolution.
Diatonic context · example keys
Every chord tone fits these example keys. Other keys may also fit; the chord root is not assumed to be the tonic.
D major · vii°
major
D minor · ♯vii°
harmonic minor, ascending melodic minor