Diminished Seventh Chord

The diminished seventh chord consists of four equally-spaced minor thirds, creating a symmetrical, highly dissonant chord. It is used as a dramatic pivot chord and in chromatic passing harmony.

Symbol: dim7, °7   Formula: 1-♭3-♭5-𝄫7   C Diminished Seventh Chord: C – D# – F# – A

Harmonic character: tense

Choose a Root

Interval Formula

Degree Interval Semitones from Root Note (C Diminished Seventh Chord)
1 Root (1) 0 C
♭3 Minor 3rd (♭3) 3 D#
♭5 Tritone (♭5) 6 F#
𝄫7 Major 6th (6) 9 A

Related Chords

Common Progressions