Banjo · Level 6 · Intermediate
Diminished passing chords in C major on Banjo
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A diminished seventh chord a half step above I connects it smoothly to ii. It is a staple of jazz, gospel and old-time songs.
C
Notes: C · E · G
C♯dim7
Notes: C♯ · E · G · B♭
Dm7
Notes: D · F · A · C
G7
Notes: G · B · D · F
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord on its own: C, C♯dim7, Dm7 and G7. Press play on the chord card, then match the sound.
- The short fifth string (g) is only played open; let it ring when it fits the chord.
- Set the tempo to 63 BPM and play the progression with one chord per bar. Move the bass up by a half step each time and keep the shapes close together.
- Pinch the bass and top strings on beat one, then roll thumb–index–middle through the other strings.
- Raise the tempo to 84 BPM once you can play the loop three times without stopping.
- Record one take, listen back and check for a chromatic climb from I to ii in the bass.
Listen for
Aim for a chromatic climb from I to ii in the bass. A common mistake is holding the diminished chord too long so it sounds unresolved.
Why it works
♯i°7 works like a V7♭9 of ii without its root, so it resolves naturally to ii.
C major has no sharps or flats; its relative minor key is A minor.
Questions
What are the chords in I–♯i°7–ii7–V7 in C major?
In C major the progression is C | C♯dim7 | Dm7 | G7.
What is the key signature of C major?
C major has no sharps or flats. Its relative minor is A minor.
Is this lesson right for my level?
This is a level 6 lesson (intermediate). If it feels too hard, start with “Secondary dominants”.
Your hands learn faster than your eyes.
Reading a chord chart is step one. Play it to a metronome, record it, and hear yourself get better, all in one app.
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