Leading-tone resolution
in D major
Piano chord · also written D♭dim
C♯ Diminished Piano Chord (C♯dim)
The C♯ Diminished chord on piano is made of the notes C♯, E and G. Tense and unstable. Often used as a passing chord.
Tap any key to hear it.
What notes are in C♯ Diminished?
3 notes, built 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 up from C♯.
- Notes
- C♯ – E – G
- Formula
- 1 – ♭3 – ♭5
- Semitones from the root
- 0 – 3 – 6
- Symbol
- C♯dim
- Same keys as
- D♭dim (D♭ – F♭ – G)
- Chord type
- Diminished, 3 notes
How to play C♯ Diminished on piano
- Right hand: C♯ (1), E (3), G (5). Fingers 1 – 3 – 5, thumb on C♯.
- Left hand: C♯ (5), E (3), G (1). Fingers 5 – 3 – 1, little finger on C♯.
Fingers are numbered 1 (thumb) to 5 (little finger) on both hands.
C♯ Diminished inversions
Each inversion puts a different note of the chord in the bass. Written as a slash chord: C♯dim/E, C♯dim/G.
Can you find C♯ Diminished?
Tap the notes on the keyboard, then check. Six chords, starting with this one.
1 / 6 Tap the notes of C♯ Diminished (C♯dim)
Score 0
Any octave, any order. Each key you tap plays.
What key is C♯ Diminished in?
The keys whose scale contains every note of C♯dim, with the chord’s Roman numeral in each.
Major keys
- D majorvii°
Minor keys
- B minorii°
C♯ Diminished chord FAQ
What notes are in the C♯ Diminished chord?
C♯ Diminished (C♯dim) has 3 notes: C♯, E and G. Its formula is 1 – ♭3 – ♭5, counted up from C♯.
How do you play C♯ Diminished on the piano?
Put your right thumb on C♯ and play C♯, E and G with fingers 1 – 3 – 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 – 3 – 1, little finger on C♯.
Is C♯ Diminished the same as D♭ Diminished?
On the piano, yes: D♭dim (D♭, F♭, G) uses exactly the same keys as C♯dim (C♯, E, G). Which name is used depends on the key of the piece; C♯dim is the more common spelling.
What are the inversions of C♯ Diminished?
1st inversion: E, G, C♯ (C♯dim/E). 2nd inversion: G, C♯, E (C♯dim/G).
What key is C♯ Diminished in?
C♯dim belongs to D major (vii°) and B minor (ii°).