Cdim Ukulele Chord
Cdim on ukulele is x-3-2-3: put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the E string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the C string, your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string and skip the g string. It is a three-finger shape, a little fiddly at first but it settles fast.
- Notes: C, Eb and Gb
- Frets: x 3 2 3
- Tuning: g C E A
Cdim ukulele chord details
- Type
- Diminished triad
- Also known as
- C diminished
- Formula
- 1 b3 b5
- Intervals
- C (root), Eb (minor 3rd), Gb (diminished 5th)
- Notes
- C, Eb and Gb
- Frets
- x 3 2 3
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the Cdim chord
Here is the Cdim chord step by step:
- Put your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the C string.
- Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the E string.
- Put your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.
- Do not play the g string.
- Strum the strings you are fretting.
Take it slowly the first few times and it will start to feel natural. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
Is there an easier way to play Cdim?
Not really. x-3-2-3 is already the simplest playable shape for Cdim on a ukulele; every alternative either needs more fingers or sits higher up the neck. If it still feels awkward, the tips above are the fix.
What notes are in the Cdim chord?
The Cdim chord is built from three notes: C, Eb and Gb (the root, minor 3rd and diminished 5th). Diminished chords are tense and dark, usually used as a quick passing chord between two others rather than on their own.
Ukulele songs that use the Cdim chord
- Panic! at the DiscoHouse Of Memories
- Misc CartoonsIt’s Over, Isn’t It? (Steven Universe)
- Nancy WilsonWhat are you doing new year’s eve?
- PomplamooseBust Your Kneecaps
- dodieA Non Love Song From Nashville
- Misc SoundtracksFrom Now On (The Greatest Showman)
- Barry ManilowCopacabana
- Harry StylesGirl Crush
- Sarah GeronimoMaybe This Time
- Summer WalkerSession 32
The Cdim chord belongs to D♭ Major (the vii°) and B♭ Minor (the ii°). Each key page shows the rest of that family, the progressions that use it and songs to play.
Want to go further?
Once Cdim feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try C7, Cmaj7, Cm and C. Diminished chords work as passing chords, so you will usually slide Cdim between two others rather than rest on it. When that feels good, work on switching between chords faster. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.