How to play C dim7 mandolin chords

We again focus on 7th chords, and specifically on the C dim 7th mandolin chord. Although there are many positions (ways, variants etc.) to play the C dim7  mandolin chord,  I suggest you start with the slideshow that shows the most common mandolin chord positions for C dim7 – displayed on the top of the page above, fingered for your convenience.

For practical reasons, I have included also a Chord Chart for C dim7 on mandolin, feel free to print it.

The C dim7 is a 7th chord, i.e. it consists of C-Eb-Gb i.e. a diminished triad and C-Bbb i.e. a diminished 7th interval. When these two are combined, they create Cdim7 as following

• The root, which for the C dim7 chord is of course C
• The third, which for the C dim7 chord is Eb. Note that this creates a minor third interval that consists of three half steps (C to C#, C# to D, D to Eb)
• The fifth, which for the C dim7 chord is Gb. Note again that this creates a minor third interval that consists of three half steps (Eb to E, E to F, F to Gb).
• The seventh, which for the C dim7 chord is Bbb. Note that this creates a minor third interval that consists of three half steps (Gb to G, G to Ab, Ab to Bbb).

The C dim7 is an diminished 7th chord, because the interval between the root (note C) and the third (note Cb) is a diminished triad.  It is also called a fully diminished 7th chord because also the 7th interval C-Bbb is a diminished one. If we replace Bbb with Bb, then we call this chord (C-Eb-Gb-Bb) half diminished seventh.

See how the C dim7 chord is written on sheet paper:

If you need a blank sheet paper to write it down in order to understand it, you can download one from theMandolinTuner free blank music paper sheet.

There are many good articles here at theMandolinTuner for practicing chords. I suggest you start with:

• How to practice mandolin chords
• How to play five easy mandolin chords

Ok, it is now time to practice. Grab your mandolin and try to play these chord variants now, it is easy, just follow the instructions!