"The root notes of the first three chords in the “C-C#o7-Dm7-G7” diminished cliché form a “1-#1-2” ascending chromatic bass line. This progression was also used to write numerous 1920s and 1930s ballads and can usually be substituted for the standard progression. The definitive example of this type of diminished cliché is the A section progression to Harold Arlen’s 1933 standard Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin’ All The Time) shown below.

The box below shows other examples of this type of bass line progression. This is a good progression to evoke that 1940s Christmas feeling. Before you think that this progression has no modern application, take a look at the For Once In My Life example and the “Dm7-G7-C-C#o7” displacement used to write the opening verse progression to Bennie And The Jets (Elton John - 1974), the “Dm7-G11-Cmaj7-C#o7” opening verse progression to My Eyes Adored You (Frankie Valli – 1975), and the “Dm9-G13sus-C-C#o7” main verse progression to Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (James Taylor – 1972). Earlier, the "Dm7-G9-C6-C#o7" displacement was used to write the opening A section progression to Bob Hope's theme song Thanks For The Memories in 1937."

Cmaj7	C#o7	Dm7	G7	Sheik Of Araby A section (Standard - 1921), It’s Only A Paper Moon A section (Standard - 1933), Solo Flight A section (Charlie Christian – 1944), Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! B section (Standard – 1945), Hello Young Lovers A section (from “The King And I” –1951), and I Could Have Danced All Night A section (from “My Fair Lady” – 1956)
C	C#o7-Eo7	Dm7	G7	My Sweet Lord chorus (George Harrison - 1970
C-C6-Cmaj7	C#o7	Dm7	G7	Mame verse (from “Mame” - 1966)
C-Cmaj7-C6	C#o7	Dm7	G7	Little Saint Nick verse (Beach Boys – 1963)
C-Cmaj7-C6-Cmaj7	C#o7	Dm7	G7	Jingle Bell Rock verse (Bobby Helms – 1957)
C-C+-C6	C#o7	Dm7	Bb-G7	For Once In My Life verse (Stevie Wonder – 1968)
C6	C#o7	Dm7	G7	Lullaby Of Broadway A section (Standard – 1935)
C6	C#o7	Dm11	G13	‘S Wonderful A section (Standard - 1927)
C6	C#o7	Dm7-Fm6/Ab	G7	Kissing A Fool verse (George Michael - 1988)
Cmaj7	C#o7	Dm7	G13	Deep Purple A section (Standard - 1934)
Cmaj7	C#o7	Dm11	G7	Winter Wonderland A section (Standard – 1934)

Diminished Chords (MoneyChords)

About Us | Chord Progressions | F.A.Q. | Freebies | Guitar Chords | Guitar Lessons | Home Page | Links | Music News | Site Search | Songwriting | Standards | Store | Tablature | WebRings Copyright © 2004 - 2010 MoneyChords.com