C°
Triads · C root
C°
A tense, unstable triad built from two stacked minor thirds.
0 st3 st6 st
Notes in C°
CRoot
D#3rd
F#5th
C is the natural starting point — no sharps or flats. The clearest key to hear chord quality in isolation.
Identify the Chord Quality on C
Each chord below is played on C. Listen and identify whether you heard C°, Cm, C7, or another quality — the hardest and most useful ear training skill.
Diminished in All 12 Keys
Other Chords in C
Related Triads
About the C° Chord
The C° chord is a diminished chord built on C. It contains the notes C, D#, F# — the root, third, and fifth.
A tense, unstable triad built from two stacked minor thirds. Practising the C° chord across different voicings and contexts builds the harmonic recognition that lets you identify it instantly in any musical setting — whether in a band mix, a recording, or a live performance.