How to play the Bbdim7 chord on guitar

The Bbdim7 chord, pronounced B-flat diminished seventh, is a complex and intriguing guitar chord. It's built on the root note of Bb and features a diminished seventh interval, creating a tense and unstable sound. This chord is often used in jazz, blues, and classical music to add tension and dissonance, making it a versatile tool for composers and guitarists alike.

The most common way to play the Bbdim7 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 6th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Bbdim7 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the 1st (high E), 2nd (B), 3rd (G), 4th (D), and 5th (A) strings, forming a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 1st (high E) string.

To strum this chord, play all six strings simultaneously with a downward motion using a pick or your thumb. Make sure to apply adequate pressure with your fretting hand to ensure all notes ring out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Bbdim7 chord, try playing it as a four-string chord. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and ring finger on the 1st fret of the high E string. Strum only these three strings.

Playing the Bbdim7 chord as a barre chord can be a great option when you need a fuller, more resonant sound or want to easily transition between chords in a progression.

Here's how to play a Bbdim7 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 6th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
5. Strum all six strings from the low E string to the high E string.

The Bbdim7 chord is often used as a passing chord to add tension and dissonance, creating a sense of uncertainty or unresolved emotions in a chord progression. Some common progressions featuring the Bbdim7 chord include:

• I - Bbdim7 - I (Bb - Bbdim7 - Bb)
• I - Bbdim7 - ii (Bb - Bbdim7 - Cm)
• I - Bbdim7 - IV (Bb - Bbdim7 - Eb)
• I - IV - Bbdim7 - I (Bb - Eb - Bbdim7 - Bb)
• vi - Bbdim7 - ii - V (Gm - Bbdim7 - Cm - F)

To master the Bbdim7 guitar chord, start by playing each note individually, focusing on clarity and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in different orders, such as Bb-Db-Fb-Abb, Fb-Bb-Abb-Db, or Abb-Fb-Db-Bb. This drill helps build muscle memory and familiarity with the chord's shape.

Next, practice strumming the Bbdim7 chord in various rhythmic patterns, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, or a combination of both. Gradually increase your tempo as you become more comfortable with the chord. Incorporating the Bbdim7 into chord progressions and songs will further solidify your mastery of this diminished chord.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Bbdim7 chord:

1. All of Me by John Legend (Bm7, E7, C#m7, F#7, Bbdim7, Am7, D7, Gmaj7)
2. Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles (F, Cm7, D7, Gm, Bbdim7, F/A, Dm7, G7, C7)
3. I'll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday (G, Em7, Am7, D7, Gmaj7, Bbdim7, Am7, D7)
4. Misty by Erroll Garner (Eb, Cm7, Fm7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Dm7, G7, Bbdim7)
5. My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers (Cm, Cm(maj7), Cm7, Cm6, Abmaj7, Dm7b5, G7b9, Bbdim7)
6. Prelude to a Kiss by Duke Ellington (C, Am7, Dm7, G7, Em7, A7, Dm7, G7, Bbdim7)
7. Someone to Watch Over Me by George Gershwin (F, Gm7, C7, Fmaj7, Bbdim7, F/A, Gm7, C7)
8. Stella by Starlight by Victor Young (Bbmaj7, Gm7, C7, Fmaj7, D7, Gm7, Bbdim7, F7)
9. Tenderly by Walter Gross (Eb, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, C7, Fm7, Bbm7, Bbdim7, Eb/G)
10. What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? by Michel Legrand (Bbmaj7, Gm7, C7, Fmaj7, Fm7, Bbdim7, Eb7, Abmaj7)