How to play the Fdim chord on guitar

The Fdim chord, pronounced "F diminished," is a unique and mysterious-sounding chord. It's built by stacking minor thirds, creating a tense and unresolved sound. This chord often appears in jazz, classical, and film music to evoke feelings of suspense or uncertainty. While less common in popular music, the Fdim chord can add an intriguing flavor when used sparingly in songwriting and composing.

The most common way to play the Fdim chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Fdim chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, play all six strings together in a downward motion with your pick or thumb, ensuring that each string rings out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Fdim chord, try playing only the top four strings. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st (high E) string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string, and ring finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd (B) string.

Playing the F diminished (Fdim) chord as a barre chord can be a convenient way to transition between other barre chords or play the chord in different positions on the fretboard.

Here's how to play a Fdim barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 1st fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum from the 6th (low E) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The Fdim chord adds a sense of tension and drama to chord progressions, often serving as a passing chord or a substitute for the dominant. These progressions can evoke feelings of uncertainty, longing, or a yearning for resolution. Some common Fdim chord progressions include:

• i - Fdim - i (Cm - Fdim - Cm): Used in "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers
• i - Fdim - V7 (Cm - Fdim - G7)
• iv - Fdim - i (Fm - Fdim - Cm)
• Fdim - V7 (Fdim - G7)
• ii - Fdim - I (Dm - Fdim - C): Used in "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

To master the Fdim guitar chord, try practicing arpeggios. Play each note of the chord individually in ascending and descending order: F, Ab, Cb, and then back down. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the fingering.

Another effective drill is to practice transitioning to and from the Fdim chord. Choose a few chords that you frequently use, such as F, Dm, or Bb, and create a simple progression that incorporates the Fdim chord. Focus on smooth transitions and maintaining a consistent rhythm throughout the exercise.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Fdim chord.

1. All of Me by John Legend (Fm7, Cm7, Bb7, Eb, Abm7, Db7, Fdim, Dbdim)
2. Misty by Ella Fitzgerald (Eb6, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Dm7, G7, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Am7, D7, Abm7, Db7, F7, Fdim)
3. Girl from Ipanema by Frank Sinatra (Fmaj7, G7, Gm7, Gbdim, F6, Fdim)
4. In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington (Abmaj7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, F7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, C7, Fm7, Abm7, Db7, Fdim, Gm7, C7, Fm7)
5. My Funny Valentine by Chet Baker (Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abmaj7, Dm7, G7, Dm7, G7, C7, Fmaj7, Fm6, Fdim, Fm7, Bb7, Gm7, C7)
6. Lush Life by John Coltrane (Db6, Bbm7, Fdim, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abm7, Db7, Gbmaj7, G7, Gm7, C7, Fm7, Abm7, Db7)
7. Body and Soul by Coleman Hawkins (Db6, Dm7, G7, C7, Db7, Fdim, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abm7)
8. What Is This Thing Called Love by Ella Fitzgerald (Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abmaj7, D7, Dm7, G7, Em7, A7, Dm7, G7, Db7, C7, Fm7, Bb7, Gm7, C7, Fdim)
9. Sophisticated Lady by Duke Ellington (Abmaj7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Cm7, Abm7, Db7, Fdim, Gbmaj7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7)
10. Stardust by Hoagy Carmichael (Gm7, C7, Fmaj7, Dm7, Gm7, C7, Fmaj7, Bbm7, Eb7, Am7, D7, Gm7, Dm7, Fdim, C7, Am7, D7, Gm7, C7, F6)