Diminished seventh chords

Exploring Diminished Chords in Gospel Groove

We're just going to spend a little bit of time looking at these diminished chords that cropped up in gospel groove. The C sharp diminished seventh in particular is our focus.

Function of the C Sharp Diminished Chord

This chord acts as a link between the C7 chord and the G chord.
However, the G chord is played with the D in the bass (the fifth in the bass). This is to achieve a rising bass line, which sounds nice and is a significant element of many gospel tunes.

Practicing the Diminished Chord

Now, let's just focus on the diminished chord.
It's probably a good idea, if you don't already know them, to practice its inversions.

• Do this with a metronome.
• Here it is at 102 clicks:
  • Play the chord (2, 3, 4),
  • using the same fingering for each shape.

Understanding the Symmetry

Because the diminished chord is a symmetrical chord, every interval is a minor third. When you invert it, you're not changing the pattern or shape; it's still a series of minor thirds stacked on top of each other.

• The first inversion of a C sharp diminished chord is the same as E diminished.
• The second inversion is the same as G diminished.
• The last inversion could be B flat diminished.

How to Identify Inversions

So how do you know? How do you decide? It really depends on what's happening in the bass. This is why I've called it C sharp diminished, because it has a C sharp in the bass.

However, you could play any of these inversions, and they all function as C sharp diminished, even though they may look like other chords in the same family.

The Diminished Chord Family

This family goes up in minor thirds:

• C sharp, E, G, B flat.

Also, there are two other families to get to know:

• D diminished, F diminished, A flat diminished, and B diminished (one family).
• E flat diminished, F sharp diminished, A diminished, and C diminished (the remaining family).

Now, you've covered all 12 diminished chords.

Using Diminished Chords in Practice

Sometimes, you might see or hear all four diminished chords played in a single bar under the banner of just one of them. For instance, in gospel groove, you might play C7, followed by C sharp diminished with four shapes.

• This is a great way to fill that bar as long as you transition smoothly to a G chord without jumping.
• Think about how the last one, B flat diminished, resolves to G. Don't make a big jump there.

Conclusion

When you see a diminished chord in a chart, you can play any of the four chords in that family. Remember this, as it's a chord that you'll see more often in the future.