Guitar arpeggio
D Diminished 7 Guitar Arpeggio
D Diminished 7 is a four-note seventh-chord arpeggio built from D, F, Ab, and Cb. It is also commonly called D Fully Diminished 7. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- D, F, Ab, Cb
- Formula
- 1 b3 b5 bb7
- Semitones
- 0 3 6 9
- Chord symbols
- Ddim7
- Also called
- D Fully Diminished 7
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent D root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the D root notes and connect the remaining diminished 7 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called D Fully Diminished 7.
Chord construction and defining tones
D diminished 7 combines b3 (F), b5 (Ab), and bb7 (Cb). Four notes spaced in minor thirds make the arpeggio symmetrical and give each note the potential to sound like a root.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Ddim7, as a leading-tone diminished chord, or as a passing structure between nearby chord shapes.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the D Diminished 7 arpeggio from one D root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Sequence b3 (F), b5 (Ab), and bb7 (Cb) in minor-third cycles and repeat the same idea three frets higher.
- Play a D diminished 7 line and resolve its notes outward or inward by semitone to a nearby chord.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with D Diminished 7 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard