C#dim chord

C-sharp diminished, also written Dbdim. 2 shapes on the neck below, with the notes it's built from and the keys it belongs to.

Notes

C#

1
E

b3
G

b5

The minor third is what makes it sound sad or dark.

The diminished fifth adds tension that wants to move somewhere.

How to play C#dim

triad (shape 1)

x4565x
Try it in the workspace
triad (shape 2)

9-10-11-9-x-x
Try it in the workspace

Founding players

Want to know why this chord works where it does? The Intermediate lessons cover it, and founding players get them first.

Keys with C#dim

C#dim uses only notes from B minor and D major. It sounds most at home in B minor.