This lesson looks at a diminished 7 chord to sub for the 5 chord.

This is unique because this substitution allows for nice chromatic bass movement leading to the 1 chord.

In C major, we’ll start with the Dm7 and then move up a half step to an Ebdim7 chord.

This will resolve up another half step to the Cmajor7 with the “E” in the bass. This creates a different color for the 1 chord that to my ear is slightly brighter with more active movement.

Ex.1

    Dm7      D#dim7        Cmaj7/E
E|----------------------------7----|
B|---6----------7-------------8----|
G|---5----------5-------------5----|
D|---7----------7-------------5----|
A|---5----------6-------------7----|
E|---------------------------------|

Here’s another variation in F major.

Ex.2

    Gm7       Abdim7        Fmaj7/A
E|----------------------------------|
B|---3------------3------------5----|
G|---3------------4------------5----|
D|---3------------3------------7----|
A|-----------------------------8----|
E|---3------------4------------5----|

Now, instead of the Ebdim7 resolving to the Cmaj7/E we’re going to move the Ebdim7 down 3 frets to a Cdim7.

This can still be called an Ebdim7 as an inversion due to all the notes being the same.

You can resolve to the Cmaj7 from the Cdim7 and apply smooth voice leading.

Ex.3

    Dm7      Ebdim7  Cmaj9
E|-------------------------------------|
B|---6----------7------4---------3-----|
G|---5----------5------2---------4-----|
D|---7----------7------4---------2-----|
A|---5----------6------3---------3-----|
E|-------------------------------------|

Want To Learn More …

Lchord-progression-box-2earning guitar chord progressions is one of the most frustrating times for guitarists.

Your fingers are new to the fretboard and the strings, just getting the correct fingers into the correct position can be a chore.

I can assure you all the effort, cursing and determination is worth it because chord progressions are one of the most important aspects of guitar playing.

Almost every piece of music ever written works by organizing chords into groups called chord progressions. Chord progressions are the basis of playing guitar. They set a basic foundation of rhythm.

Sounds quite complex and difficult just to begin with and you haven’t even started learning it yet.

With the right guidance you can make chord progressions fun, easy and improve your playing all at the same time.