C DIMINISHED - PIANO

C Diminished chord diagram for Piano - Bass position 999

Chord composition

I ♭III ♭V
Root Minor third Diminished fifth
C D# F#

ALL ABOUT THE C DIMINISHED CHORD

Chord Composition

The C Diminished chord is composed of 3 notes :

  • C (Root)
  • D# (Minor third)
  • F# (Diminished fifth)

These notes form a diminished triad, creating a tense sonority requiring resolution.

How to play C Diminished on piano

The diminished chord on piano creates strong harmonic tension. It consists of a minor third and a diminished fifth.

  • Chord symmetry: each note is separated by 1.5 tones
  • Passing function: used between two stable chords
  • Resolution: naturally calls to a consonant chord

Piano usage

On piano, the diminished chord is often used as a chromatic passing chord or to create elegant modulations.

Common uses of C Diminished

The diminished chord is mainly used:

  • Passing chord: between I and ii, or between IV and V
  • Dominant substitution: replaces V7 in jazz
  • Modulation: facilitates key changes