Also written EdimMaj7, EdimM7 or E°M7
E diminished major 7th contains E, G, B♭, and D♯. The open position uses two open strings and is the easiest voicing, while the 12th-fret shape is movable.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E diminished major 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, ♭5, 7. The diminished 5th between E and B♭ creates a tritone that gives the chord its dark color. The major 7th D♯ is a leading tone that resolves upward to E. Compare with E minor 7th flat 5th, which has D instead of D♯.
E diminished major 7th works as a passing chord in E minor, often between E minor and E minor 7th. Its tense sound suits jazz ballads and dramatic film cues. Use it to add chromatic motion on the bass.
The open position places the root E on the 4th string and is the easiest to play. The 12th-fret shape is the same voicing an octave higher and is movable.
E diminished major 7th is played in open position as 0 1 1 0: index finger on the A string at fret 1 and middle finger on the D string at fret 1. The E and G strings ring open.
Tip — E diminished major 7th in open position requires clean fretting of the 3rd and 2nd strings while the open strings ring clearly.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 3 (A) | 1 | 1 | B♭ (♭5) |
| 2 (D) | 1 | 2 | D♯ (7) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (♭3) |
E diminished major 7th is played at the 12th fret as 12 13 13 12: index finger on the E string at fret 12, ring finger on the A string at fret 13, pinky finger on the D string at fret 13 and middle finger on the G string at fret 12.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 1 | E (1) |
| 3 (A) | 13 | 3 | B♭ (♭5) |
| 2 (D) | 13 | 4 | D♯ (7) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 2 | G (♭3) |
E diminished major 7th is written E°M7 or EdimM7. The root is E.
E diminished major 7th has a major 7th (D♯), while E minor 7th flat 5th has a minor 7th (D). The major 7th creates a leading tone that pulls strongly to the octave.
Yes, the 12th-fret position is the same voicing an octave higher. It is movable, so sliding it changes the root.