Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
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D♯7♭5/C♯ is the D♯ dominant 7th flat 5 / C♯ (3rd inversion) guitar chord with C♯ in the bass. It uses the notes D♯, F𝄪, A, and C♯ and the interval formula 1-3-♭5-♭7.
The D♯ dominant 7th flat 5 dominant 7th flat 5 chord introduces a diminished fifth A to the dominant 7th, producing a dissonant, unstable tension. This unresolved sound is commonly used in jazz and blues for dramatic harmonic movement and suspense. With C♯ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 3rd inversion of D♯ dominant 7th flat 5.
Also written as D♯7♭5 and D♯dom7♭5/C♯.
These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.
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Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.
The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.
This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.
The flattened fifth adds tension and a restless, unstable edge.
The minor seventh adds bluesy or jazzy tension that wants to move onward.
Every shape is shown with its diagram and exact fingering instructions.
D♯7♭5/C♯ uses the notes D♯, F𝄪, A, and C♯. Its interval formula is 1-3-♭5-♭7.
D♯7♭5/C♯ is also written as D♯7♭5 and D♯dom7♭5/C♯.
Place the 1st finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string. Place the 2nd finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd string and 3rd string in barre position. Place the 3rd finger on the 9th fret of the 6th string. Place the 4th finger on the 9th fret of the 1st string. Let the fifth string ring open. Strum from the 6th string down.
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