Notes and intervals of F diminished
- F1 · root
- A♭♭3 · minor third
- C♭♭5 · diminished fifth
It's the seventh degree of the major scale and works as a passing chord between two chords a whole step apart.
C♭ sounds the same as B, but in theory it is spelled this way because each note of the chord takes its own letter (C, E, G…). On guitar and piano you play exactly the same key or fret.
Progressions with Fdim
Which keys contain F diminished?
Fdim belongs to 2 keys: in each one it plays a different role depending on the degree (the Roman numeral).
| Key | Degree |
|---|---|
| F♯ major | vii° |
| D♯ natural minor | ii° |
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the F diminished chord?
F diminished (Fdim) has 3 notes: F (root), A♭ (minor third), C♭ (diminished fifth). C♭ sounds the same as B, but it's spelled this way because it functions as a diminished fifth.
How do you play F diminished on guitar?
The most common shape starts at fret 3: x x 3 4 6 4 (from the 6th to the 1st string). Finger 1 (index) on fret 3 of the 4th string (D). Finger 2 (middle) on fret 4 of the 3rd string (G). Finger 4 (pinky) on fret 6 of the 2nd string (B). Finger 3 (ring) on fret 4 of the 1st string (E). Don’t play the 6th or 5th strings: strum from the 4th.
What is the chord symbol for F diminished?
It is written Fdim; you may also see F° or Fm♭5. Chord notation uses letters for notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.