How to play the F#dim7 chord on guitar

The F#dim7 chord, pronounced "F sharp diminished seventh", is a tense and dissonant chord that adds a sense of instability and suspense to music. Commonly used in jazz, classical, and movie soundtracks, it's known for its ability to create an eerie atmosphere. Notable songs featuring the F#dim7 chord include "Blue in Green" by Miles Davis and "The Godfather Waltz" from the iconic film soundtrack.

The F#dim7 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 2nd fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a F#dim7 chord on your guitar:

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

Strum all six strings together in a downward motion to play the F#dim7 chord.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F#dim7 chord, try this:

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

This two-finger version of F#dim7 is easier to play and still conveys the chord's essence.

Playing the F#dim7 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add a fuller, richer sound to your guitar playing. It's also a useful way to quickly switch between different chords in the same key.

Here's how to play a F#dim7 bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 2nd fret, covering all six strings (this is the barre).
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The F#dim7 chord is often used to add tension and a sense of longing or unresolvedness to chord progressions. It can evoke feelings of mystery, suspense, or a darker emotional tone. Some common chord progressions featuring the F#dim7 chord include:

• i - F#dim7 - i (Fm - F#dim7 - Fm)
• i - iv - F#dim7 - V (Fm - B♭m - F#dim7 - C) Used in "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers
• i - ♭VI - F#dim7 - V7 (Fm - D♭ - F#dim7 - C7)
• ii - F#dim7 - V7 - i (Gm - F#dim7 - C7 - Fm)
• iv - F#dim7 - i (B♭m - F#dim7 - Fm)

To master the F#dim7 chord, try playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution. Once comfortable, play the notes together as a chord, strumming or plucking. Practice transitioning to and from the F#dim7 chord, using common progressions like F#dim7 to B minor.

Another effective drill is to arpeggiate the chord, playing each note in sequence. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed. This helps develop finger independence and muscle memory. Incorporate the F#dim7 arpeggio into melodic phrases and improvisation to make the chord more musical and intuitive.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F#dim7 chord.

1. Summertime by George Gershwin (Chords: Amin7, D7, Gmaj7, Cmaj7, F#dim7)
2. Moonglow by Will Hudson, Irving Mills & Eddie DeLange (Chords: Gmaj7, E7, Amin7, F#dim7, Bmin7, Bbdim7, Amin7, D7)
3. My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart (Chords: Cmaj7, Amin7, F#dim7, Fm7, Bm7b5, E7, Ebdim7, Dm7, G7)
4. Someone to Watch Over Me by George Gershwin (Chords: Gmaj7, Bbdim7, Amin7, D7, G7, Cmaj7, F#dim7, B7, Em7, A7, Dmaj7)
5. It Could Happen to You by Jimmy Van Heusen & Johnny Burke (Chords: Cmaj7, Dm7, G7, Em7, Ebdim7, Dm7, G7, Db7, Cmaj7, Bmin7, E7, A7, Dm7, G7)
6. Cry Me a River by Arthur Hamilton (Chords: Amin7, Amaj7, Amin7, F#dim7, Bmin7, E7, Amaj7, F#min7, Bmin7, E7)
7. All the Things You Are by Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II (Chords: Fmin7, Bbmin7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Dbmaj7, G7, Cmaj7, Cmaj7, Cmin7, F7, Bbmaj7, Bbmin7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Amin7, D7, Gmaj7, F#dim7, Fmin7, Bmin7, E7, Amaj7)
8. Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma & Jacques Prévert (Chords: Cmaj7, F#dim7, Bmin7b5, E7, Amin7, D7, Gmaj7, Amin7, D7, Dm7, G7)
9. Body and Soul by Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour & Frank Eyton (Chords: Bbmin7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Abmin7, Db7, Gbmaj7, Amin7, D7, Gmaj7, Gmin7, C7, Fmaj7, F#dim7, Abmin7, Db7)
10. Ain't Misbehavin' by Fats Waller, Harry Brooks & Andy Razaf (Chords: C6, E7, A7, D7, G7, Gdim7, G7, Dm7, F#dim7, C6, D7, G7)