B diminished 7th chord on piano
Bdim7 is a diminished 7th chord built on B. It uses the notes B - D - F - A♭ and sounds dramatic and suspenseful, the classic silent-movie villain chord.
- Notes
- B D F A♭
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - 𝄫7
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Bdim7
How to play Bdim7 step by step
- Find B. B is the white key just right of each group of three black keys.
- Add D, 3 half steps above B.
- Add F, 6 half steps above B.
- Add A♭, 9 half steps above B.
- Press all 4 keys together with fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
Bdim7 inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B diminished 7th chord?
The B diminished 7th chord (Bdim7) contains 4 notes: B, D, F, A♭. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - 𝄫7.
How do you play Bdim7 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on B and play B, D, F, A♭ together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.