How to play

How to play the Bbdim7 chord on guitar

Learn to play the dramatic chord from "I Put a Spell on You" and "Michelle."

The Bbdim7 chord

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.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Bbdim7 chord. We've also included other versions below.

Bbdim7 guitar chord diagram

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Finger placement for Bbdim7 chord

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.

Bbdim7 guitar chord with finger positions

How to play an easy Bbdim7 chord on guitar

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.

How to play a Bbdim7 bar chord

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.

Common Bbdim7 chord progressions

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)

Drills to master the Bbdim7 chord

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.

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Songs that feature the Bbdim7 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)

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.