Guitar · Level 6 · Intermediate
Diminished passing chords in A major on Guitar
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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.
A
Notes: A · C♯ · E
A♯dim7
Notes: A♯ · C♯ · E · G
Bm7
Notes: B · D · F♯ · A
E7
Notes: E · G♯ · B · D
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord on its own: A, A♯dim7, Bm7 and E7. Press play on the chord card, then match the sound.
- Press just behind the fret with your fingertips and keep the thumb relaxed behind the neck.
- 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.
- Strum down on every beat at first, then try down–down–up–up–down–up.
- 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.
A major has 3 sharps; its relative minor key is F♯ minor.
Questions
What are the chords in I–♯i°7–ii7–V7 in A major?
In A major the progression is A | A♯dim7 | Bm7 | E7.
What is the key signature of A major?
A major has 3 sharps. Its relative minor is F♯ 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.
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