The chord collection

The Bdim7 chord, left-handed

Advanced · Diminished seventh. Build the shape, check each string and hear how it sounds.

Left-handed Bdim7 diagram

Vertical: high e on the left, nut at the top. Horizontal: high e at the top, nut on the right. X = silent, O = open. Dot numbers are fingers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little. A thick line joins notes held with one finger as a barre.

Fret and finger guide

Both codes read from low E to high e, regardless of the diagram view.

Frets
x · 2 · 3 · 1 · 3 · x
Fingers
– · 2 · 3 · 1 · 4 · –
Level
Advanced (this fingering)

Make a clean Bdim7 chord

Keep the index on G at fret 1 while the middle finger holds A at fret 2. Pick the four inner strings only.

  1. Place one finger at a time, just behind the fret wire.
  2. Pick each sounding string slowly. Adjust any finger that mutes its neighbour.
  3. Release pressure, then make the shape again. Aim for a relaxed hand.
  4. Strum four beats, rest for four, then repeat. Rest if your hand becomes tired; stop if you feel pain.

Another way to play it

Try xx3434, with fingers 1, 3, 2 and 4 on D, G, B and high e. It has F in the bass.

Fret codes are written low E to high e. An x means leave that string silent.

Practise chord changes with a metronome →
Understand the sound

Bdim7 notes and chord formula

A diminished seventh stacks minor thirds. Its diminished seventh is written bb7, not b7. Try Bdim7 resolving upwards to C.

Formula
1 – b3 – b5 – bb7
Chord notes
B – D – F – Ab

How to read chord diagrams · Build a comfortable barre · Connect chord shapes with CAGED

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