Chord Information
Learn how to play Edim7 on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): E4 - G4 - Bb4 - Db5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the Edim7 chord
About the Edim7 Chord
The Edim7 chord creates quintessential diminished tension—mysterious, unstable, and full of dramatic potential. Built from E-G-Bb-Db, this fully diminished seventh chord is one of the most commonly used passing chords in jazz and popular music, often connecting I to ii or providing chromatic approach.
What makes Edim7 particularly useful is its position relative to common chords. In C major, Edim7 connects C to F (or Em) smoothly. In jazz standards, Edim7 appears constantly as a chromatic passing chord.
On piano, Edim7's pattern alternates between white and black keys in a memorable shape. Its symmetry links it to Gdim7, Bbdim7, and Dbdim7.
Music Theory & Usage
Edim7 commonly passes between Eb and E (or Em) in various progressions. It functions as viidim7 in F major, creating strong resolution to the tonic. In jazz turnarounds, Edim7 adds chromatic sophistication.
The chord appears throughout the Great American Songbook and continues to be essential in contemporary jazz and pop.
Famous Songs Using Edim7
Hear how professional musicians use the Edim7 chord in these well-known songs:
“Misty”
by Erroll Garner
Uses Edim7 in its romantic jazz progression
“Georgia on My Mind”
by Hoagy Carmichael
Features dim7 passing chords
“Stardust”
by Hoagy Carmichael
Contains dim7 for chromatic color
“Tenderly”
by Walter Gross
Uses dim7 chords throughout
How to Play Edim7 on Piano
- Place your thumb on E.
- Place your index finger on G.
- Place your middle finger on Bb.
- Place your pinky finger on Db.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the Edim7 chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-2-3-5 (right hand)
Edim7 Chord Inversions
The Edim7 chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
E - G - Bb - Db (bass note: E)
First Inversion
G - Bb - Db - E (bass note: G)
Second Inversion
Bb - Db - E - G (bass note: Bb)
Common Chord Progressions Using Edim7
ii-V-I Jazz Progression
Common chord progression
I-vi-ii-V Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for Edim7
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between Edim7 and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- Listen carefully to how the seventh interval creates tension and color in the chord.
- Practice resolving this chord to its natural target chords in progressions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edim7
What notes are in Edim7?
Edim7 contains E (root), G (minor 3rd), Bb (diminished 5th), and Db (diminished 7th). Each note is a minor third from the next.
How is Edim7 used in jazz?
Edim7 passes between Ebmaj7 and Em7 (or other chords), functions as viidim7 in F, or substitutes for C7 (tritone relationship). It adds chromatic sophistication to progressions.
What chords share Edim7's notes?
Edim7, Gdim7, Bbdim7, and Dbdim7 all contain E, G, Bb, and Db. Same pitches, different spellings and bass notes.
Can Edim7 resolve multiple ways?
Yes—dim7's symmetry means any note can act as a leading tone. Edim7 can resolve to F, Ab, B, or D (up a half step from any chord tone), making it extremely versatile.