About the A♭dim7 chord
The diminished seventh is built entirely from minor thirds, so the same shape repeats every three frets. It is a dramatic passing chord in jazz, gypsy swing and classical music. The symbol for it is A♭dim7. (also written G♯dim7)
A♭1
C♭♭3
D♭5
F𝄫7
How to play A♭dim7
- Lay your index finger flat across the top 6 strings at fret 4, pressing just behind the fret.
- Put your middle finger on the A string at fret 5.
- Put your ring finger on the D string at fret 6.
- Put your little finger on the B string at fret 6.
- Strum all six strings.
1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 little
Other A♭ chords
A♭dim7 chord questions
What notes are in a A♭dim7 chord?
A♭dim7 is made of A♭, C♭, D and F. In intervals that is 1, ♭3, ♭5, 𝄫7 above the root, A♭.
What is the easiest way to play A♭dim7?
The first shape above is the most common one: 4 5 6 4 6 4 from the low E string to the high E, where x means don't play that string and 0 means play it open. Start there, and try the other shapes once it feels comfortable.
Is A♭dim7 a barre chord?
The main shape uses a barre, where one finger holds down several strings at once. Press just behind the fret and roll the finger slightly onto its side.