Dbdim Guitar Chord
Db Diminished · also written C#dim · Db–Fb–G
Dbdim is the Db diminished chord: Db–Fb–G. Its sound is tense and unstable — stacked minor 3rds that work as dramatic passing chords. It's also written as C#dim — same notes, same shapes, different spelling.
You'll rarely sit on Dbdim for a full bar — diminished chords are connectors. Classic uses: passing between the I and ii chords in C major, or substituting for the V7♭9 a half-step below. The symmetrical shape repeats every three frets, so one grip gives you four chords.
The most common way to play Dbdim is the diminished grip at the 9th fret (9 x 11 12 x 12, low E string to high E string). Below you'll find 3 ways to play it across the neck, from open position to barre and shell voicings, with the theory behind the chord and the progressions it lives in.
How to Play Dbdim: 3 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
Dbdim Chord Theory
| Interval | R | ♭3 | ♭5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Db | Fb | G |
Dbdim is built from the Db minor scale.
Dbdim Chord FAQ
What notes are in the Dbdim chord?
Dbdim contains 3 notes: Db (R), Fb (♭3), G (♭5). The interval formula for a diminished chord is R–♭3–♭5.
What is the easiest way to play Dbdim on guitar?
Use the diminished grip at the 9th fret: 9 x 11 12 x 12 (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). Dbdim has no open-position shape in standard tuning, so this movable form is the standard starting point.
Is Dbdim a major or minor chord?
Dbdim is built on a minor triad (Db–Fb–G) with the ♭5 added, so it behaves as a minor-family chord.
Is Dbdim the same as C#dim?
Yes. Db and C# are enharmonic equivalents — the same pitch written two ways. Dbdim and C#dim use identical shapes and frets; which spelling you see depends on the key of the song.
What keys use the Dbdim chord?
Dbdim appears diatonically in E major (as vi), B major (as ii), and A major (as iii) — plus it's the home chord (i) of Db minor.
Related Chords
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