How to play the Fdim chord on guitar
Spice up your playing with this essential chord, used in hits like "Creep" by Radiohead.
The Fdim chord
The Fdim chord, pronounced "F diminished," is a unique and mysterious-sounding chord. It's built by stacking minor thirds, creating a tense and unresolved sound. This chord often appears in jazz, classical, and film music to evoke feelings of suspense or uncertainty. While less common in popular music, the Fdim chord can add an intriguing flavor when used sparingly in songwriting and composing.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Fdim chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for Fdim chord
The most common way to play the Fdim chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.
Follow these finger positions to play a Fdim chord on your guitar:
- Place your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret, creating a barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
To strum this chord, play all six strings together in a downward motion with your pick or thumb, ensuring that each string rings out clearly.
How to play an easy Fdim chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Fdim chord, try playing only the top four strings. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st (high E) string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string, and ring finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd (B) string.
How to play a Fdim bar chord
Playing the F diminished (Fdim) chord as a barre chord can be a convenient way to transition between other barre chords or play the chord in different positions on the fretboard.
Here's how to play a Fdim barre chord:
- Place your index finger across all six strings at the 1st fret, creating a barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Strum from the 6th (low E) string down to the 1st (high E) string.
Common Fdim chord progressions
The Fdim chord adds a sense of tension and drama to chord progressions, often serving as a passing chord or a substitute for the dominant. These progressions can evoke feelings of uncertainty, longing, or a yearning for resolution. Some common Fdim chord progressions include:
- i - Fdim - i (Cm - Fdim - Cm): Used in "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers
- i - Fdim - V7 (Cm - Fdim - G7)
- iv - Fdim - i (Fm - Fdim - Cm)
- Fdim - V7 (Fdim - G7)
- ii - Fdim - I (Dm - Fdim - C): Used in "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor
Drills to master the Fdim chord
To master the Fdim guitar chord, try practicing arpeggios. Play each note of the chord individually in ascending and descending order: F, Ab, Cb, and then back down. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the fingering.
Another effective drill is to practice transitioning to and from the Fdim chord. Choose a few chords that you frequently use, such as F, Dm, or Bb, and create a simple progression that incorporates the Fdim chord. Focus on smooth transitions and maintaining a consistent rhythm throughout the exercise.
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Songs that feature the Fdim chord
Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Fdim chord.
- All of Me by John Legend (Fm7, Cm7, Bb7, Eb, Abm7, Db7, Fdim, Dbdim)
- Misty by Ella Fitzgerald (Eb6, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Dm7, G7, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Am7, D7, Abm7, Db7, F7, Fdim)
- Girl from Ipanema by Frank Sinatra (Fmaj7, G7, Gm7, Gbdim, F6, Fdim)
- In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington (Abmaj7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, F7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, C7, Fm7, Abm7, Db7, Fdim, Gm7, C7, Fm7)
- My Funny Valentine by Chet Baker (Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abmaj7, Dm7, G7, Dm7, G7, C7, Fmaj7, Fm6, Fdim, Fm7, Bb7, Gm7, C7)
- Lush Life by John Coltrane (Db6, Bbm7, Fdim, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abm7, Db7, Gbmaj7, G7, Gm7, C7, Fm7, Abm7, Db7)
- Body and Soul by Coleman Hawkins (Db6, Dm7, G7, C7, Db7, Fdim, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abm7)
- What Is This Thing Called Love by Ella Fitzgerald (Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abmaj7, D7, Dm7, G7, Em7, A7, Dm7, G7, Db7, C7, Fm7, Bb7, Gm7, C7, Fdim)
- Sophisticated Lady by Duke Ellington (Abmaj7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Cm7, Abm7, Db7, Fdim, Gbmaj7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7)
- Stardust by Hoagy Carmichael (Gm7, C7, Fmaj7, Dm7, Gm7, C7, Fmaj7, Bbm7, Eb7, Am7, D7, Gm7, Dm7, Fdim, C7, Am7, D7, Gm7, C7, F6)
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.
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