How to play the Fdim7 chord on guitar

The Fdim7 chord, pronounced F diminished seventh, is a unique and haunting chord that adds a sense of tension and mystery to music. It's built by stacking minor third intervals, creating a symmetrical structure. This chord is often used in jazz, classical, and film noir soundtracks to evoke a feeling of suspense or unease. Notable songs featuring Fdim7 include "Because" by The Beatles.

The most common way to play the Fdim7 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Fdim7 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret.
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 simultaneously with a downward strum motion.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Fdim7 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd (B) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 1st fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Strum only these two strings together.

This simplified version still captures the essential sound of the Fdim7 chord.

Playing the Fdim7 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add variety and challenge yourself as a guitarist. It also allows you to easily transition to other barre chords.

Here's how to play a Fdim7 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 1st fret, covering all six strings.
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 all six strings from low to high.

The Fdim7 chord is often used to add tension and a sense of unresolved longing to chord progressions, creating a moody and introspective atmosphere. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Fdim7 chord:

• i - iv - Fdim7 - V7 (Am - Dm - Fdim7 - E7) Used in "Misty" and "Stardust"
• i - Fdim7 - V7 (Am - Fdim7 - E7)
• ii - V7 - i - Fdim7 (Bm7b5 - E7 - Am - Fdim7)
• Fdim7 - V7 - i (Fdim7 - E7 - Am) Used in "Blue in Green"
• i - Fdim7 - iv - V7 (Am - Fdim7 - Dm - E7)

To master the Fdim7 guitar chord, start by playing each note individually, ensuring clarity and precision. Focus on transitioning smoothly between the notes, gradually increasing your speed.

Next, practice strumming the chord, emphasizing rhythm and consistency. Incorporate the Fdim7 into progressions, switching between it and other chords you're comfortable with. As you gain confidence, try using the chord in different musical contexts, such as jazz or blues songs, to develop a deeper understanding of its sound and application.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Fdim7 chord.

1. All the Things You Are by Jerome Kern (Fm7, Bbm7, Eb7, Ab�, D7, G7, Cmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, Bb7, Eb�, Abmaj7, Db7, Gbmaj7, B7, Emaj7, A7, Dmaj7, G7#5, Cmaj7)
2. I Got Rhythm by George Gershwin (B�, G7, Cmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Ab7, Dbmaj7, Gb7, Bmaj7, Bb7, Amaj7, Abm7, Db7, Gbmaj7, F#7, B7, E7, Amaj7, D7, Gmaj7, Fdim7, C#m7, F#7)
3. A Night in Tunisia by Dizzy Gillespie (Eb�, Fdim7, F#dim7, Gmaj7, G#dim7, Amaj7, Adim7, Bbmaj7, Bdim7, Cmaj7, C#dim7, Dmaj7, Ebm7, Ab7, Dbmaj7, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Bm7, E7, Amaj7, Abm7, Db7, Gbmaj7, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7)
4. Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk (Eb�, Fdim7, F#maj7#5, Eb�/G, Abm7, Db7, Gb�, G7b9, Cm7, Gm7b5, C7b9, Fm7, Bb7#11, Ebmaj7, Edim7, Fm7, E7b9#11, Ebmaj7/Bb, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Am7b5, D7b9, Gmaj7, Bdim7, Gm7b5, C7b9)
5. Someday My Prince Will Come by Frank Churchill (Bbmaj7, G7, Cmaj7, Dm7, Em7, Amaj7, F#m7b5, B7b9, Emaj7, C#m7, F#7, Bmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, Bb7, Eb�, Edim7)
6. My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers (Cmaj7, Am7, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Fmaj7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abmaj7, Dbmaj7, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, B7#5, E7#5, Amaj7, Bm7, E7, Fdim7, Em7, A7, Dmaj7, F#m7, B7, G7, C6/9)
7. Body and Soul by Johnny Green (Db6/9, Ebm7, Fdim7, Gbmaj7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Am7b5, D7, Gmaj7, Bm7b5, E7, Amaj7, C#m7, F#7, Bmaj7, G7b9, Cmaj7, C#dim7, Dm7, Dbdim7)
8. Cherokee by Ray Noble (Bbmaj7, Cm7, Dm7b5, G7b9, Cm7, Gm7b5, C7b9, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abmaj7, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Am7, D7, Gmaj7, Bm7b5, E7, Amaj7, F#m7b5, B7, Emaj7, C#m7, F#7, Bmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, E7, Ebmaj7)
9. Stella by Starlight by Victor Young (Bbmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Edim7, Fm7, Bb7, Gm7, C7b9, Fm7, Abm7, Db7#11, Gbmaj7, Dm7b5, G7b9, Cm7, F7, Bbmaj7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Am7b5, D7#9, Gmaj7, Em7, A7b9, Dmaj7)
10. How High the Moon by Morgan Lewis (Gmaj7, Am7, Bm7, E7#5, Amaj7, C#m7, F#7, Bmaj7, Fdim7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abmaj7, Dbmaj7, Gbmaj7, B7, Emaj7, C7, Fmaj7, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Dm7, G7)