C♯ diminished (C♯dim) chord on piano

Looking for the C♯dim chord on piano? It is a diminished triad (two minor thirds), made of three notes: C♯ – E – G. The same chord with a different spelling: D♭ diminished (D♭dim).

Root position: C♯4 – E4 – G4

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What the C♯dim chord sounds like

A diminished triad is two stacked minor thirds with a diminished fifth. It sounds tense and unsettled; in a major key it sits on degree vii and leads into the tonic.

Notes of the C♯dim chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	C♯	root
3	E	minor third (3 semitones)
5	G	diminished fifth (6 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

C♯4 – E4 – G4

1st inversion

E4 – G4 – C♯5

2nd inversion

G4 – C♯5 – E5

Which keys is it in?

The C♯dim chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

D major: vii°
D minor: vii°
B minor: ii°

Similar chords and substitutes

If C♯dim is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

A7 – an incomplete dominant: the diminished chord is the top of this seventh chord
D – where it leads (leading tone → root)

Richer versions

C♯dim7 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
C♯m7b5 – the same chord plus 1 colour note

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C♯dim chord?

C♯, E, G. The root is C♯; the intervals of the other notes from the root: minor third, diminished fifth.

How do I play the C♯dim chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the C♯dim chord written?

The chord symbol is C♯dim (also written C#dim), and its full name is C♯ diminished.