5 Easy Ways to Use and Write with Diminished Chords [MUSIC THEORY - CHORD PROGRESSIONS]

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This video is about diminished chords and where you can use them and fit them into your chord progressions.
IMPORTANT! READ! Diminished chords come in two main flavors- diminshed seventh (aka full diminished) and half diminished (aka m7b5). In this video I exclusively use FULL diminished chords, but nearly every example can be used with a half diminished as well, to varying degrees of success.
It is also important to note that I am a big fan of "learning backwards". That is, do the stuff first- make the noise, use the chord, solo with the scale, regardless if it makes sense to you or not. Then later on you are more likely to learn the inner workings and theory because you actually recognize it's useful application.
This strategy doesn't work for things like heart surgery - for that you should probably learn the details first before doing hands-on experience. But with music, I'm totally okay with skipping many steps along the way as long as they get us to playing and writing quicker.
The following videos are referenced and very important to understanding everything here:
Chords of Major: • How To Write Chord Pro...
Chords of Minor: • How to write Chords an...
Diminshed Chords: • Deconstructing Diminis...
Diminished Chord Portals: • Diminshed 7th Chord = ...
Dim7 Arpeggios: • Quick and Easy CHAOS M...
Chords of Harmonic Minor: • Writing Chord Progress...
Orcastra Studio - Common Diminished Chord: • Learning Chords: The C...
These lessons are sponsored by my Patreon subscribers: bit.ly/2zFwzOO
A very big thank you to the following Patrons!!!:
Linas Orentas
Marek Pawlowski
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Patrick Ryan
/ signals_music
/ signalsmusicstudio
www.signalsmusicstudio.com
Free online guitar lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. Located in Crystal Lake, Jake Lizzio provides free jam tracks and video lessons for guitar players, as well as music theory videos and other music education content.
Table of Contents:
00:00 Intro
00:51 Between Whole Steps
03:17 Two Chord Jams
04:45 ii° - V - I
06:18 Pivot to New Keys
07:17 Making the Tonic Diminished
08:04 Wrapping Up

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I’ll say it again you’re a funking treasure

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J Rocks he absolutely is right this kid got me playing again 🕺🏻🙌🏻😎

[@ShinyFlakesShinyFlakes]

@@saveursound4now364 he’s not a kid

[@saveursound4now364]

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[@Manas-co8wl]

@@saveursound4now364 👍👌🙏

[@craigcotter7476]

That spanish guitar playing was really quite splendid.

[@slimyelow]

I was mightily impressed as well.

[@joeybowie5706]

Thanks for everything you do for us Jake, watch your videos almost every day and always suggest your channel to people getting into music theory.

[@arklowrockz]

Yes I've recommended this channel to at least four people now. I personally am getting good mileage out of the Diatonic Major and Minor vids and the Harmonic minor vid. It's actually given me a good prod to fiddle around with scales, explore the fret board and writ e few tunes. In other words more progress in a few months than learning songs on the guitar for 30 odd years!!!

[@kemakol3837]

Watch a minute and a half, play around for thirty Watch a minute and a half, play around for thirty Your videos are always hours long! And I love that.

[@ShinyFlakesShinyFlakes]

lol that’s exactly what I do, this 9 min video was an hour for me

[@Djeraldancheta]

Basically, it's there to build insane tensions and also to transition.

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Please do not stop posting. I am ready to support you financially.

[@DagothThorus]

I'm a drummer an I have no idea what I'm doing here, but heck, I can't stop D:

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Good shit bro 👌😬🤙

[@roverred1150]

You're learning guitar, my guy. If you don't have one, go get you a guit-fiddle.

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It's a wonder how Jake still didn't make drummer jokes on his videos ngl😂🤣😂

[@themeadowlarkminutewithpau8184]

Get a guitarist friend to help you find a cheap acoustic guitar from a pawn shop.

[@ddude1212]

...augmented please? That’d be great! I use them, like in this video, as a transition chord, but I’d like to hear your thoughts!

[@pendragon.9229]

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[@mehdimoussaoui1712]

@@pendragon.9229 thanks

[@danielpogue7065]

I like using augmented chords sometimes as a replacement for dominant chords. In the key of A minor, a nice progression could be Am F C Caug. The #5 makes a perfect resolution back to Am.

[@monkeybusiness673]

Holy Moses, man. That short Salsa-Interlude was sweet as hell!

[@oenwilson2486]

This made me realize how important a diminished chord is. I always ignored this back then and now I'd love to use it now.

[@taquitoburrito6335]

me: plays diminished arpeggios space: spawns a portal to another dimension

[@tamburavadak]

00:03 "C Demolished". :D

[@RealPartySongs]

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[@mrbaz5150]

You give off this really cool vibe like Paul Gilbert does in his lesson videos. Love your work man.

[@mattb0519]

I am a piano player and I find all your videos extremely useful, don't stop!

[@javierayala7480]

Yesss Sir

[@Rain593]

My favourite way of using dim7s is to play them over the V7. So an example: if our chord is E7, playing Fdim7 (F G# B D) implies a V7(b9). Sounds super neoclassical and I adore that sound. 2nd favourite way is to bridge two Dom7 chords a tritone apart. So if we are in Am still. Our V7 is E7 (E G# B D), our tritone of that is Bb7 (Bb D F Ab/G#). Both those chords can be imbellished with Fdim, Abdim, Ddim, or Bdim. Thanks for reading my dim7 essay xD

[@jem8936]

Teaching is your gift! Love the way you break things down and the audio/visuals help so much! Thank You!

[@isaach8426]

Diminished and suspended chords are my favorite for learning tension and release. I also really like the Barry Harris 6th diminished scale concept. Works really well to help understand the theory behind the tension and release of diminished 7th chords.

[@NellizeGaia]

Love how fast, direct and kind you are!

[@dalezjc]

That you so generously give your time to make these videos, is truly inspiring! Most of your videos are somewhat over my head but I do appreciate your time and effort that goes into making your videos.

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Every video you do is a gold mine, I don't think I have ever seen anyone make music theory so accessible. Keep up the great work!

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I’m straight up binge watching your videos! How have I not seen these!?!? So good! Thank you!

[@kmisi1]

dude, you always make me want to write more songs!

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Dude your channel succeeds in being both highly informative and engaging, no small feat! Much appreciation!

[@robbybisi3756]

Jake, I have no words to thank you enough for your videos and explanations. It makes me so happy when something “clicks” for me and finally I can understand it. What you’re giving to the musician worldwide society is immense. You look very young, but it’s amazing how knowledgeable you are. Thank you!

[@hearpalhere]

This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I'm trying to learn more about diminished chords and finally feel like I'm getting a better understanding of how they function. Seeing your practical uses is awesome and maybe even better than understanding the theory behind them.

[@robinmartini7968]

Yet another fantastic post, only a genius can cram so much quality information in a 10 minute video! I'm addicted.

[@jamminwithjambo7729]

I've used diminished chords in so many ways over the years, but now you have shown me some new ways to look at them!!! Much appreciated coach.

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This is the best KZbin channel for learning guitar. All the music theories are so simplified that anyone can understand.

[@RolandHesz]

Thank you, you just gave me my programme for the next two weeks and probably answered a question I had with a pre chorus/bridge transition. Awesome channel.

[@gsb2578]

Very well explained.. We are blessed to have Teachers like you on KZbin..

[@OrignalElidest]

Holy cow i never thought of chord progressions like those. I always thought of switching from Harmonice minor to phrygian dominant to a diminished arpeggio run but these progression are insane

[@boerboelmummy5075]

I found your channel by accident and I've spent the last few days going over your back catalog, I have to say; the way you explain things, through the examples you use, for my money you are probably the best theory tutor out there. Thank you.

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Real insight that makes sense. Actually inspirational. Most people who like music like lots of types. This man is helping people become musical. Chapeau!

[@natedionne]

Thanks for this video because I haven't seen too many video that have gone this in-depth on using diminished chords. It was very insightful! I would love to learn more about augmented chords in this way too!

[@Heloin42]

This absoluetly fantastic, one of the best videos on applied music theory I've seen in a while. I love it!

[@aptelbruno8316]

I'm working on it ! I love diminished chords. Thank you again Jake !

[@acousticknights9654]

Amazing way to break down some practical ways to get those diminished chords in. Thanks man. Keep up the good work

[@connorseunninga2324]

All the little details makes this a masterful expression

[@richardapai3676]

I am amazed! I was never really able to deal with diminised chords up until now!

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I just found your videos and wow, you're so helpful--knowledgeable but patient and encouraging. I'm very impressed by your talent, but at the same time your videos make me feel like your level of skill is not out of reach, which is such a rare combination. I'm an amateur guitarist looking not to plateau, and you're an incredible teacher. Your videos make me want to learn more and more. Thank you for genuinely making a difference in my life! Never stop doing what you're doing--you were made for it :)

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Your videos are AMAZING I've been attempting to play guitar/bass for like 15 years only playing tabs and trying to discern scales from borrowed stuff, and scales never made any sense at all to me until you. Thanks

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Dude, you have a great voice. You’re an even better teacher! I found you the other day and have learned so much from you. Thank you!

[@pAWNproductionsDE]

Great video as usual! I'd love to see a video on augmented chords next, those things have been one of the greatest musical mysteries for me

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[@abdelrahmankhaled8239]

I'm a huge fan of you I've learned so much from you and your lessons are just simply the best. The simple way you explain complex musical ideas is just brilliant so thank you for everything. Cheers from Egypt

[@ShinyFlakesShinyFlakes]

I come back to this video like five times a week

[@mattdenninger]

Haven’t even watched the video yet but I’m just so happy there is a new vid! Jake you always make the best stuff!!! Thanks so much for doing what you do!

[@rsrana6781]

wonderfully explained the complicated diminished chords and their use. Great!

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Wow all this knowledge & instruction! Thank you. I never went to music school or had lessons so this, and videos by other YTers, is brilliant. All the stuff I've always been totally confused by...

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What is best about your channel is that you get straight to the point! Thank you. So many music lessons on KZbin belabor the point. I think that "over-explanation" is a serious problem in most lessons. Hey, we can rewind on KZbin. Nice work here!

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Amazing video. Such clean, clear transitions, high quality performance and audio. Nailed it! Thanks!!!

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As always, informative and useful. Really appreciate the easily digestible way you breakdown the theory.

[@IWishUWereTacos]

Good timing, my guitar teacher just started going over this

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This is an amazing lesson. I delved 2 hours with your video. pausing it and replaying it with paper all over my desk, writing notes and im literally breaking down the examples in keys and practical uses. The music theory into understanding what was really happening and where to apply it has genuinely affected my understanding of music better. I am profoundly enthused at this lesson. Also in, "Holding out for a Hero" that was a clever little move with the iidim - iidim - V- Vsus- I I see what did there Bonnie. Dude awesome lesson.

[@deanmartin5276]

Very educational , this music theory is the way to get the understanding of how use all the different chords , you really know your stuff , really appreciate your help .

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Wow.. where has this lesson been all my musical life?! Thanks!!!

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You are really talented in teaching! Everything is so straight to the point!

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You can tell he really enjoys talking about this, and that's what I like about this video!

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You really got me out of the rut I was in,since I started watching you videos,I enjoy playing and learning again thank you so much man really mean that👊😎

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Love your lessons man, whatch them multiple times, very clear very helpful plz never stop

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Really awesome teaching method and structure. Just bumping into these lessons and I appreciate them a lot.

[@andystovermusic9200]

Hi Jake. Thanks for these videos. As a guy who has played for many years but never dove deep into the why and how, I really find these helpful

[@pleasedie1979]

I just recently starting dipping my toes in the music theory waters and was scratching my head with how to use diminished chords. This was a great intro into the uses that I could apply and HEAR immediately! Thanks! 😎

[@aptelbruno8316]

Excellent as usual - and so useful. Thank you Jake.

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Best new channel I have discovered!

[@zipperhead101]

This is the next frontier for me. I've known how to play diminished chords for a very long time. Only now am I seeing which end of that hammer (or flashlight) to hold and where to aim it... thanks to you! I've been a follower of your channel for years. Thank you for what you do!

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insane. your videos get me more creative than i thought i could be

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OK, this video doesn't just make sense of the diminished chords, it's just about the best guitar tutorial video on the tube. period. heroic! congrats!

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So much stuff to try, so little time... Thank you for being a *great* teacher! 😍

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you can definitly teach...you give credit ....and you dont embellish a thing! you speak well you know where everything is that you teach and how to use it, as well you encourage exploration! bravo....

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best music theory channel. period. i have learned so much from you!

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Thanks for another brilliant well explained video.

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You are one of the few music theory teachers that I completely understand. Please make a video on writing melodic riffs and voice leading

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You are the man. You are helping me tremendously understand music theory and its practical uses.

[@connorpark2744]

That was an amazing lesson, perfect examples which made it so easy to hear and understand. Thank you. I saw someone also comment that a video about Augmentd chords would also be very informative and useful.

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I always enjoy your videos. At Patreon I´m just one of your Jar Tippers at the moment, but it will be more next time. You are great!

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Thank you very much, you open my eyes in the use dim chords, I am subscribing!

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Blow me away jake! Great classical riffs!

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Really awesome video. Thank you. I strongly believe that writing your OWN original music along with constant practice is the best way to become a better musician.

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Thank you again for your hard work and freely sharing this amazing tool .

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yesterday i was thinking to myself "i really gotta learn to use dim7 chords more effectively, i wonder if any of my favourite music channels have made a video on it" and then this appeared the next day. such a blessing

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Finally we can understand how to create music!!! thank you! will love some progression and theory about blues.

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Very thoughtful insight, progressions and impressive guitar playing for such a young man, thank you for sharing your talents!

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You make stuff so clear, i can see trough de screen now

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Love it Jake!!! Keep it up!!!

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Possibly my favorite vid so far

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A gem. Well executed and articulated. Thank you.

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Hey! Your video is one of the best music tutorials in the world. Thanks!

[@tobyzxcd]

Yes!! More diminished chords please!

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Your videos are the best on KZbin!! THANK YOU!!!

[@MrMetalhorse]

8:18 The total opposite for me. Once I learned diminished chords that's all I wanted to play. It just sounds so cool. That's why Becker and Friedman are two of my favorite players. What they did in Cacophony is insanely awesome. Some people might think it's very unmusical and they are probably right but to me it sounds awesome.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

Maybe if I had learned them in that context I would have enjoyed them more, but my first exposure to them was reading through a chord book. I was just left thinking "wat". Major 7th sounded pretty, minor 7th alright, but who would use diminished? i think i finally realized the glory through trying to learn Yngwie songs, then I started hearing it more and writing with it. Thus began the descent down the diminished rabbit hole...

[@MrFuzzleupagus]

Just discovered your channel. I’ve been wanting to learn how to use diminished chords and I found this video to be very helpful. Thank you!

[@kevincasals2008]

Thank you ur lesson is perfect to understand.....n also help us to voice leading