C#dim chord (C sharp diminished) on piano
C#dim (C sharp diminished) has three notes: C sharp, E and G. Its formula is 1, b3, b5. In major keys, C#dim is the vii° chord in D major.
C#dim inversions and fingering
C# E G · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1
E G C# · RH 1-2-5 · LH 5-3-1
G C# E · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-2-1
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| Symbol | C#dim |
|---|---|
| Also written | C#°, C#o |
| Notes | C# E G |
| Formula | 1 b3 b5 |
| Intervals | root, minor third, tritone |
| Type | Diminished chord |
C#dim across the keyboard
Piano, C3 to C5. Notes in this scale, low to high: C#3 (1), E3 (flat 3), G3 (flat 5), C#4 (1), E4 (flat 3), G4 (flat 5).
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Questions
What notes are in the C#dim chord?
C#dim (C sharp diminished) has three notes: C sharp, E and G. Its formula is 1, b3, b5. C# is the root, E is the minor third and G is the tritone.
How do you play C#dim on piano?
Play C#, E and G together. Root position: C# E G · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1.
What key is C#dim in?
In major keys, C#dim is the vii° chord in D major. It is diatonic to those keys, so it fits songs in any of them.
What is the difference between C#dim and C#m?
C#dim is C#m with its 5th lowered a half step, from G# to G. That flat 5th is what gives it its tense sound.