Also written EdimMaj7, EdimM7 or E°M7
E diminished major 7th contains E, G, B♭, and D♯. The default EdimM7/D♯ inversion uses two open strings and a middle-finger stretch to the 3rd fret.
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 major 7th interval between E and D♯ gives it a sharp leading tone. Compare it to E minor 7th flat 5th, which lowers the 7th to D.
E diminished major 7th works as a passing chord in E minor or E major contexts. Use it to lead into E minor or E major. Its tense sound suits jazz and gypsy minor lines.
The EdimM7/D♯ inversion keeps the bass on D♯, which softens the root. The EdimM7/G inversion puts the minor 3rd in the bass for a darker edge.
E diminished major 7th is played in open position as 0 3 0 1: middle finger on the C string at fret 3 and index finger on the A string at fret 1. The G and E strings ring open.
Tip — The middle finger must reach the 3rd fret on the C string without touching the open E string.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 3 | 2 | D♯ (7) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 1 | 1 | B♭ (♭5) |
E diminished major 7th is played at the 3rd fret as 3 4 3 6: index finger on the G string at fret 3, ring finger on the C string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 3 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 6.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3 | 1 | B♭ (♭5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 6 | 4 | D♯ (7) |
E diminished major 7th is played at the 6th fret as 8 7 6 7: pinky finger on the G string at fret 8, middle finger on the C string at fret 7, index finger on the E string at fret 6 and ring finger on the A string at fret 7.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8 | 4 | D♯ (7) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 2 | G (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 6 | 1 | B♭ (♭5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (1) |
E diminished major 7th is played at the 9th fret as 9 10 11 10: index finger on the G string at fret 9, middle finger on the C string at fret 10, pinky finger on the E string at fret 11 and ring finger on the A string at fret 10.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (1) |
| 3 (C) | 10 | 2 | B♭ (♭5) |
| 2 (E) | 11 | 4 | D♯ (7) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 3 | G (♭3) |
E diminished major 7th is played in open position as 0 4 6 6: index finger on the C string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 6 and ring finger on the A string at fret 6. The G string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 1 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 6 | 2 | B♭ (♭5) |
| 1 (A) | 6 | 3 | D♯ (7) |
E diminished major 7th is written E°M7 or EdimM7. It is also called augmented minor seventh or minor seventh sharp five.
E diminished major 7th has a major 7th (D♯), while E minor 7th flat 5th has a minor 7th (D). That one semitone changes the chord's color completely.
E diminished major 7th contains a tritone between E and B♭ and a major 7th between E and D♯. Both intervals create strong dissonance that wants to resolve.