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Intermediate CHORDS THEORY - Lesson 16 - Diminished 7th chords

Intermediate Theory

Andrew Milner

Campfire Attention Holder
  • Nov 11, 2019
    532
    1,235
    andreilucianmoraru.com
    10
    So you finally found someone who knows what these chords are, eh?
    1. Topics of discussion
    2. Diminished 7th chords
    1. Topics of discussion

    In this tutorial, we resume our learning journey by discussing diminished seventh chords. So, let's have some fun.

    2. Diminished 7th chords

    Diminished 7th chords are obtained by taking a diminished triad and adding a double flatted 7th note of the major scale on top of it. Thus, the formula for such chords is the following one:

    1 ♭3 ♭5
    double-flat-small.png
    7

    Let's learn how to play the Cdim7 chord in various shapes, using the CAGED system. First off, the C form:

    cdim7_cform.png

    And here it is played back.

    Next up is the A form:

    cdim7_aform.png


    And here it is played back.

    Let's move on to the G form:

    cdim7_gform.png

    And here it is played back.

    Next in line is the E form:
    cdim7_eform.png


    And here it is played back.

    Finally, let's take a look at the D form:

    cdim7_dform.png


    And here it is played back.

    So when do diminished 7th chords come into play? Well, they can be played on the 7th note of a harmonic minor scale for one. They can also be played in a diatonic scale, with the root note being located between the notes that are separated by a whole step.

    In other words, if a song is written in the key of C, you may encounter chords such as D♯dim7 (D♯ is located between D and E), or G♯dim7 (G is located between G and A) and so on. This is used in jazz music a lot.

    That about covers it for this tutorial. Next up, we will be looking at chord inversions and what is known as slash chords. See you then.
     
    Last edited:

    John Robinson

    Music Theory Bragger
    Nov 11, 2019
    367
    504
    Nashville tn.
    So you finally found someone who knows what these chords are, eh?
    1. Topics of discussion
    2. Diminished 7th chords
    1. Topics of discussion

    In this tutorial, we resume our learning journey by discussing diminished seventh chords. So, let's have some fun.

    2. Diminished 7th chords

    Diminished 7th chords are obtained by taking a diminished triad and adding a double flatted 7th note of the major scale on top of it. Thus, the formula for such chords is the following one:

    1 ♭3 ♭5 View attachment 282 7

    Let's learn how to play the Cdim7 chord in various shapes, using the CAGED system. First off, the C form:

    View attachment 283
    And here it is played back.

    Next up is the A form:

    View attachment 284

    And here it is played back.

    Let's move on to the G form:

    View attachment 285
    And here it is played back.

    Next in line is the E form:
    View attachment 286

    And here it is played back.

    Finally, let's take a look at the D form:

    View attachment 287

    And here it is played back.

    So when do diminished 7th chords come into play? Well, they can be played on the 7th note of a harmonic minor scale for one. They can also be played in a diatonic scale, with the root note being located between the notes that are separated by a whole step.

    In other words, if a song is written in the key of C, you may encounter chords such as D♯dim7 (D♯ is located between D and E), or G♯dim7 (G is located between G and A) and so on. This is used in jazz music a lot.

    That about covers it for this tutorial. Next up, we will be looking at chord inversions and what is known as slash chords. See you then.
    Im going to have to start from lesson one and learn theory but i kind of got my head wrapped around what you said here...i really like the way you explain it and then give example sounds for us to hear
     
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