F diminished 7th chord on piano
Fdim7 is a diminished 7th chord built on F. It uses the notes F - A♭ - C♭ - E𝄫 and sounds dramatic and suspenseful, the classic silent-movie villain chord.
- Notes
- F A♭ C♭ E𝄫
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - 𝄫7
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Fdim7
How to play Fdim7 step by step
- Find F. F is the white key just left of each group of three black keys.
- Add A♭, 3 half steps above F.
- Add C♭, 6 half steps above F.
- Add E𝄫, 9 half steps above F.
- 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.
Fdim7 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 F diminished 7th chord?
The F diminished 7th chord (Fdim7) contains 4 notes: F, A♭, C♭, E𝄫. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - 𝄫7.
How do you play Fdim7 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on F and play F, A♭, C♭, E𝄫 together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.