How to play the F#dim7 chord on guitar
Learn the tricks to master this essential chord, used in hits like "Stairway to Heaven."
The F#dim7 chord
The F#dim7 chord, pronounced "F sharp diminished seventh", is a tense and dissonant chord that adds a sense of instability and suspense to music. Commonly used in jazz, classical, and movie soundtracks, it's known for its ability to create an eerie atmosphere. Notable songs featuring the F#dim7 chord include "Blue in Green" by Miles Davis and "The Godfather Waltz" from the iconic film soundtrack.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common F#dim7 chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for F#dim7 chord
The F#dim7 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 2nd fret of the guitar.
Follow these finger positions to play a F#dim7 chord on your guitar:
- Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
Strum all six strings together in a downward motion to play the F#dim7 chord.
How to play an easy F#dim7 chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F#dim7 chord, try this:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Place your middle finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Strum only these two strings together.
This two-finger version of F#dim7 is easier to play and still conveys the chord's essence.
How to play a F#dim7 bar chord
Playing the F#dim7 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add a fuller, richer sound to your guitar playing. It's also a useful way to quickly switch between different chords in the same key.
Here's how to play a F#dim7 bar chord:
- Place your index finger across the 2nd fret, covering all six strings (this is the barre).
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Strum all six strings from low to high.
Common F#dim7 chord progressions
The F#dim7 chord is often used to add tension and a sense of longing or unresolvedness to chord progressions. It can evoke feelings of mystery, suspense, or a darker emotional tone. Some common chord progressions featuring the F#dim7 chord include:
- i - F#dim7 - i (Fm - F#dim7 - Fm)
- i - iv - F#dim7 - V (Fm - B♭m - F#dim7 - C) Used in "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers
- i - ♭VI - F#dim7 - V7 (Fm - D♭ - F#dim7 - C7)
- ii - F#dim7 - V7 - i (Gm - F#dim7 - C7 - Fm)
- iv - F#dim7 - i (B♭m - F#dim7 - Fm)
Drills to master the F#dim7 chord
To master the F#dim7 chord, try playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution. Once comfortable, play the notes together as a chord, strumming or plucking. Practice transitioning to and from the F#dim7 chord, using common progressions like F#dim7 to B minor.
Another effective drill is to arpeggiate the chord, playing each note in sequence. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed. This helps develop finger independence and muscle memory. Incorporate the F#dim7 arpeggio into melodic phrases and improvisation to make the chord more musical and intuitive.
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Songs that feature the F#dim7 chord
Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F#dim7 chord.
- Summertime by George Gershwin (Chords: Amin7, D7, Gmaj7, Cmaj7, F#dim7)
- Moonglow by Will Hudson, Irving Mills & Eddie DeLange (Chords: Gmaj7, E7, Amin7, F#dim7, Bmin7, Bbdim7, Amin7, D7)
- My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart (Chords: Cmaj7, Amin7, F#dim7, Fm7, Bm7b5, E7, Ebdim7, Dm7, G7)
- Someone to Watch Over Me by George Gershwin (Chords: Gmaj7, Bbdim7, Amin7, D7, G7, Cmaj7, F#dim7, B7, Em7, A7, Dmaj7)
- It Could Happen to You by Jimmy Van Heusen & Johnny Burke (Chords: Cmaj7, Dm7, G7, Em7, Ebdim7, Dm7, G7, Db7, Cmaj7, Bmin7, E7, A7, Dm7, G7)
- Cry Me a River by Arthur Hamilton (Chords: Amin7, Amaj7, Amin7, F#dim7, Bmin7, E7, Amaj7, F#min7, Bmin7, E7)
- All the Things You Are by Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II (Chords: Fmin7, Bbmin7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Dbmaj7, G7, Cmaj7, Cmaj7, Cmin7, F7, Bbmaj7, Bbmin7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Amin7, D7, Gmaj7, F#dim7, Fmin7, Bmin7, E7, Amaj7)
- Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma & Jacques Prévert (Chords: Cmaj7, F#dim7, Bmin7b5, E7, Amin7, D7, Gmaj7, Amin7, D7, Dm7, G7)
- Body and Soul by Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour & Frank Eyton (Chords: Bbmin7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Abmin7, Db7, Gbmaj7, Amin7, D7, Gmaj7, Gmin7, C7, Fmaj7, F#dim7, Abmin7, Db7)
- Ain't Misbehavin' by Fats Waller, Harry Brooks & Andy Razaf (Chords: C6, E7, A7, D7, G7, Gdim7, G7, Dm7, F#dim7, C6, D7, G7)
How a guitar teacher can help
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