G♯ diminished 7th chord on piano
G♯dim7 is a diminished 7th chord built on G♯. It uses the notes G♯ - B - D - F and sounds dramatic and suspenseful, the classic silent-movie villain chord. It is also written as A♭ diminished 7th.
- Notes
- G♯ B D F
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - 𝄫7
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- G♯dim7
How to play G♯dim7 step by step
- Find G♯. G♯ is the middle black key in each group of three. The same key is also called A♭.
- Add B, 3 half steps above G♯.
- Add D, 6 half steps above G♯.
- Add F, 9 half steps above G♯.
- 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.
G♯dim7 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 G♯ diminished 7th chord?
The G♯ diminished 7th chord (G♯dim7) contains 4 notes: G♯, B, D, F. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 - 𝄫7.
How do you play G♯dim7 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on G♯ and play G♯, B, D, F together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.
Is G♯ diminished 7th the same as A♭ diminished 7th?
Yes. G♯ diminished 7th and A♭ diminished 7th use exactly the same piano keys. The name you see depends on the key signature of the piece.