A Diminished 7th Guitar Chord (Adim7)

The A Diminished 7th Guitar Chord (Adim7) carries an air of tension, mystery, and dramatic flair. It’s a chord that composers and guitarists turn to when they want to add suspense, uncertainty, or a sense of cinematic tension to their music. If you’re exploring jazz, classical, or experimental music styles, the Adim7 chord is an essential tool in your harmonic toolkit.

Quick Facts about A Diminished 7th

Chord Name: A Diminished 7th (Adim7)
Also written as: A°7, A dim7, A diminished seventh
Notes: A – C – Eb – Gb
Chord Type: Diminished seventh
Sound: Tense, unstable, mysterious

The Adim7 chord is symmetrical and functions as a great passing chord or a modulation device in music.

A Diminished 7th Guitar Chord Diagram

   e|---3---
   B|---2---
   G|---3---
   D|---2---
   A|---0---
   E|---x---

Index Finger: 2nd fret on the D string
Middle Finger: 2nd fret on the B string
Ring Finger: 3rd fret on the G string
Pinky Finger: 3rd fret on the high E string
Open A string is the root
Mute the low E string

This fingering provides a rich voicing of the A Diminished 7th Guitar Chord.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Hold the A Diminished 7th Chord

Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the B (2nd) string.
Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the G (3rd) string.
Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the high E (1st) string.
Strum from the A (5th) string down to the high E string.
Make sure to mute or avoid strumming the low E string.
Press each note firmly and keep your fingers arched for clarity.

The Adim7 chord may feel awkward at first, but consistent practice will help you integrate it smoothly into your playing.

A Diminished 7th Chord Variations

1. Movable Shape

Use the above shape to move up the fretboard.
Due to its symmetrical intervals, this chord repeats every three frets.

2. Barre Shape (High Neck)

Find an A root on the 5th or 6th string and build a dim7 shape around it.
Common in jazz comping and classical guitar.

3. Drop 2 Voicings

Spread the chord tones across the fretboard for open-sounding diminished voicings.
Great for jazz guitar solos and chord melody.

Experiment with A Diminished 7th Guitar Chord in transitions or to lead into dominant chords (e.g., leading to B7 or C major).

Written by the StrumMuse Team — your guide to mastering the guitar one chord at a time.+

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