Guitar arpeggio
C# Diminished Guitar Arpeggio
C# Diminished is a three-note arpeggio built from C#, E, and G. It is also commonly called C# Diminished Triad. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- C#, E, G
- Formula
- 1 b3 b5
- Semitones
- 0 3 6
- Chord symbols
- C#dim
- Also called
- C# Diminished Triad
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent C# root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the C# root notes and connect the remaining diminished chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called C# Diminished Triad.
Chord construction and defining tones
C# diminished combines b3 (E) and b5 (G). Two stacked minor thirds produce the minor third and diminished fifth that define the triad's unstable sound.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over C#dim or as a leading-tone shape that pushes toward a chord one semitone above its root.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the C# Diminished arpeggio from one C# root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Cycle through b3 (E) and b5 (G) in three-note groups and resolve the flat fifth by a semitone in either direction.
- Create a tense C# diminished line, then resolve every note by the smallest available move into a nearby major or minor triad.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with C# Diminished loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard