Guitar chord · Intermediate (barre)
C sharp diminished chord (C♯dim) — guitar chord chart
C♯dim is a diminished chord built on C♯. Its notes are C♯, E, G. Two stacked minor 3rds make the diminished triad tense and unstable; it usually passes quickly to the next chord. It’s also written D♭dim.
C♯dim chord charts
Numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little). ○ open string, × don’t play. Low E string on the left.
How to play C♯dim
- Index (1) on the 5th string, fret 4 (C♯).
- Middle (2) on the 4th string, fret 5 (G).
- Little finger (4) on the 3rd string, fret 6 (C♯).
- Ring (3) on the 2nd string, fret 5 (E).
- Strum from the 5th string down; don’t play strings 6, 1.
- Pick the strings one at a time: each note should ring clearly — if one buzzes, move that finger closer to the fret.
No barre yet? Put a capo on fret 4 and play the open Adim shape — it sounds as C♯dim. Work out other positions with the capo calculator.
Notes in C♯dim
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C♯ | root |
| ♭3 | E | minor 3rd |
| ♭5 | G | diminished 5th |
Progressions with C♯dim
Drill these changes with the chord-change trainer and read how to change chords faster.
FAQ
- What notes are in the C♯dim chord?
- C♯dim (C sharp diminished) has 3 notes: C♯, E, G.
- Is C♯dim hard to play?
- It’s a barre chord, but with a capo on fret 4 you can use the open Adim shape instead. Expect a few weeks of practice for a clean barre.
- What’s the difference between C♯dim and C♯?
- C♯ is C♯ E♯ G♯. Two stacked minor 3rds make the diminished triad tense and unstable; it usually passes quickly to the next chord.
- Is C♯dim the same as D♭dim?
- Yes — they sound the same (enharmonic equivalents). Which name is used depends on the key of the song; the fingerings are identical.