How to play

How to play the Fdim7 chord on guitar

Unlock the haunting sound heard in "Stairway to Heaven" and "Creep."

The Fdim7 chord

The Fdim7 chord, pronounced F diminished seventh, is a unique and haunting chord that adds a sense of tension and mystery to music. It's built by stacking minor third intervals, creating a symmetrical structure. This chord is often used in jazz, classical, and film noir soundtracks to evoke a feeling of suspense or unease. Notable songs featuring Fdim7 include "Because" by The Beatles.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Fdim7 chord. We've also included other versions below.

Fdim7 guitar chord diagram

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Finger placement for Fdim7 chord

The most common way to play the Fdim7 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Fdim7 chord on your guitar:

  1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
  4. Place your pinky finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, play all six strings simultaneously with a downward strum motion.

Fdim7 guitar chord with finger positions

How to play an easy Fdim7 chord on guitar

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Fdim7 chord, try this:

  1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd (B) string.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 1st fret of the 4th (D) string.
  3. Strum only these two strings together.

This simplified version still captures the essential sound of the Fdim7 chord.

How to play a Fdim7 bar chord

Playing the Fdim7 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add variety and challenge yourself as a guitarist. It also allows you to easily transition to other barre chords.

Here's how to play a Fdim7 barre chord:

  1. Place your index finger across the 1st fret, covering all six strings.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
  4. Place your pinky finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
  5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

Common Fdim7 chord progressions

The Fdim7 chord is often used to add tension and a sense of unresolved longing to chord progressions, creating a moody and introspective atmosphere. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Fdim7 chord:

  • i - iv - Fdim7 - V7 (Am - Dm - Fdim7 - E7) Used in "Misty" and "Stardust"
  • i - Fdim7 - V7 (Am - Fdim7 - E7)
  • ii - V7 - i - Fdim7 (Bm7b5 - E7 - Am - Fdim7)
  • Fdim7 - V7 - i (Fdim7 - E7 - Am) Used in "Blue in Green"
  • i - Fdim7 - iv - V7 (Am - Fdim7 - Dm - E7)

Drills to master the Fdim7 chord

To master the Fdim7 guitar chord, start by playing each note individually, ensuring clarity and precision. Focus on transitioning smoothly between the notes, gradually increasing your speed.

Next, practice strumming the chord, emphasizing rhythm and consistency. Incorporate the Fdim7 into progressions, switching between it and other chords you're comfortable with. As you gain confidence, try using the chord in different musical contexts, such as jazz or blues songs, to develop a deeper understanding of its sound and application.

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Songs that feature the Fdim7 chord

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Fdim7 chord.

  1. All the Things You Are by Jerome Kern (Fm7, Bbm7, Eb7, Ab�, D7, G7, Cmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, Bb7, Eb�, Abmaj7, Db7, Gbmaj7, B7, Emaj7, A7, Dmaj7, G7#5, Cmaj7)
  2. I Got Rhythm by George Gershwin (B�, G7, Cmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Ab7, Dbmaj7, Gb7, Bmaj7, Bb7, Amaj7, Abm7, Db7, Gbmaj7, F#7, B7, E7, Amaj7, D7, Gmaj7, Fdim7, C#m7, F#7)
  3. A Night in Tunisia by Dizzy Gillespie (Eb�, Fdim7, F#dim7, Gmaj7, G#dim7, Amaj7, Adim7, Bbmaj7, Bdim7, Cmaj7, C#dim7, Dmaj7, Ebm7, Ab7, Dbmaj7, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Bm7, E7, Amaj7, Abm7, Db7, Gbmaj7, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7)
  4. Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk (Eb�, Fdim7, F#maj7#5, Eb�/G, Abm7, Db7, Gb�, G7b9, Cm7, Gm7b5, C7b9, Fm7, Bb7#11, Ebmaj7, Edim7, Fm7, E7b9#11, Ebmaj7/Bb, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Am7b5, D7b9, Gmaj7, Bdim7, Gm7b5, C7b9)
  5. Someday My Prince Will Come by Frank Churchill (Bbmaj7, G7, Cmaj7, Dm7, Em7, Amaj7, F#m7b5, B7b9, Emaj7, C#m7, F#7, Bmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, Bb7, Eb�, Edim7)
  6. My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers (Cmaj7, Am7, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Fmaj7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abmaj7, Dbmaj7, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, B7#5, E7#5, Amaj7, Bm7, E7, Fdim7, Em7, A7, Dmaj7, F#m7, B7, G7, C6/9)
  7. Body and Soul by Johnny Green (Db6/9, Ebm7, Fdim7, Gbmaj7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Am7b5, D7, Gmaj7, Bm7b5, E7, Amaj7, C#m7, F#7, Bmaj7, G7b9, Cmaj7, C#dim7, Dm7, Dbdim7)
  8. Cherokee by Ray Noble (Bbmaj7, Cm7, Dm7b5, G7b9, Cm7, Gm7b5, C7b9, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abmaj7, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Am7, D7, Gmaj7, Bm7b5, E7, Amaj7, F#m7b5, B7, Emaj7, C#m7, F#7, Bmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, E7, Ebmaj7)
  9. Stella by Starlight by Victor Young (Bbmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Edim7, Fm7, Bb7, Gm7, C7b9, Fm7, Abm7, Db7#11, Gbmaj7, Dm7b5, G7b9, Cm7, F7, Bbmaj7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Am7b5, D7#9, Gmaj7, Em7, A7b9, Dmaj7)
  10. How High the Moon by Morgan Lewis (Gmaj7, Am7, Bm7, E7#5, Amaj7, C#m7, F#7, Bmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abmaj7, Dbmaj7, Gbmaj7, B7, Emaj7, C7, Fmaj7, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Dm7, G7)

How a guitar teacher can help

If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.

You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.