D diminished 7th chord on piano
Ddim7 is a diminished 7th chord built on D. It uses the notes D - F - A♭ - C♭ and sounds dramatic and suspenseful, the classic silent-movie villain chord.
- Notes
- D F A♭ C♭
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - 𝄫7
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Ddim7
How to play Ddim7 step by step
- Find D. D is the white key between the two black keys.
- Add F, 3 half steps above D.
- Add A♭, 6 half steps above D.
- Add C♭, 9 half steps above D.
- 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.
Ddim7 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 D diminished 7th chord?
The D diminished 7th chord (Ddim7) contains 4 notes: D, F, A♭, C♭. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - 𝄫7.
How do you play Ddim7 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on D and play D, F, A♭, C♭ together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.