B Diminished Cliché

I – ♯I°7 – ii – V progression in B major

B major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IB
♯I°7Cdim
iiC#m
VF#

Triad Diagrams — B Diminished Cliché (Guitar)

B Diminished ClichéI – ♯I°7 – ii – V

The B Diminished Cliché (B – Cdim – C#m – F#) uses a chromatic diminished 7th chord built on the raised first degree as a passing chord between the tonic and ii. This half-step ascent created the nostalgic, sophisticated sound of Tin Pan Alley and 1930s jazz standards. With seventh chords (BMaj7 – Cdim7 – C#m7 – F#7), the chromatic motion is even smoother.

Jazz / SoulNostalgic & Vintage4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): B, Cdim, C#m, F#.

Chords (7th): BMaj7, Cdim7, C#m7, F#7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
  • Stormy Weather – Harold Arlen
  • Deep Purple – Peter DeRose