Cdim chord (C diminished) on piano
Cdim (C diminished) has three notes: C, E flat and G flat. Its formula is 1, b3, b5. In major keys, Cdim is the vii° chord in Db major.
Cdim inversions and fingering
C Eb Gb · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1
Eb Gb C · RH 1-2-5 · LH 5-3-1
Gb C Eb · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-2-1
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| Symbol | Cdim |
|---|---|
| Also written | C°, Co |
| Notes | C Eb Gb |
| Formula | 1 b3 b5 |
| Intervals | root, minor third, tritone |
| Type | Diminished chord |
Cdim across the keyboard
Piano, C3 to C5. Notes in this scale, low to high: C3 (1), Eb3 (flat 3), Gb3 (flat 5), C4 (1), Eb4 (flat 3), Gb4 (flat 5), C5 (1).
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Questions
What notes are in the Cdim chord?
Cdim (C diminished) has three notes: C, E flat and G flat. Its formula is 1, b3, b5. C is the root, Eb is the minor third and Gb is the tritone.
How do you play Cdim on piano?
Play C, Eb and Gb together. Root position: C Eb Gb · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1.
What key is Cdim in?
In major keys, Cdim is the vii° chord in Db major. It is diatonic to those keys, so it fits songs in any of them.
What is the difference between Cdim and Cm?
Cdim is Cm with its 5th lowered a half step, from G to Gb. That flat 5th is what gives it its tense sound.