Violin · Level 6 · Intermediate

Diminished passing chords on Violin

I–♯i°7–ii7–V7 in all 12 keys.

Don’t just read about Diminished passing chords on Violin. Play it.

Create a free TempoJam account in 30 seconds. Then try the tuner, metronome and Jam Room free for 14 days and record your first take tonight.

Start freeI teach musicFree account. No card needed to join.
THE SHORT ANSWER

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.

Choose a key

C majorC · C♯dim7 · Dm7 · G7D♭ majorD♭ · Ddim7 · E♭m7 · A♭7D majorD · D♯dim7 · Em7 · A7E♭ majorE♭ · Edim7 · Fm7 · B♭7E majorE · Fdim7 · F♯m7 · B7F majorF · F♯dim7 · Gm7 · C7F♯ majorF♯ · Gdim7 · G♯m7 · C♯7G majorG · G♯dim7 · Am7 · D7A♭ majorA♭ · Adim7 · B♭m7 · E♭7A majorA · A♯dim7 · Bm7 · E7B♭ majorB♭ · Bdim7 · Cm7 · F7B majorB · Cdim7 · C♯m7 · F♯7

Listen first: C major

C

C major

Notes: C · E · G

G 3D 1D 3A 2
String and finger, first position

C♯dim7

C♯ diminished seventh

Notes: C♯ · E · G · B♭

♯G 4D 1D 3♭A 1♯A 2
String and finger, first position

Dm7

D minor seventh

Notes: D · F · A · C

D openD 2A openA 2A 3
String and finger, first position

G7

G dominant seventh

Notes: G · B · D · F

G openG 2D openD 2D 3
String and finger, first position
1
C
2
C♯dim7
3
Dm7
4
G7

Why it works

♯i°7 works like a V7♭9 of ii without its root, so it resolves naturally to ii.

On another instrument

Diminished passing chords on Guitar →Diminished passing chords on Piano →Diminished passing chords on Ukulele →Diminished passing chords on Mandolin →Diminished passing chords on Banjo →Diminished passing chords on Flute →

Ready to play it for real?

Create my free accountI’m a music teacher
Free account. No card needed to join.