C# Diminished Cliché
I – ♯I°7 – ii – V progression in C# major
C# Diminished Cliché — I – ♯I°7 – ii – V
The C# Diminished Cliché (C# – Ddim – D#m – G#) 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 (C#Maj7 – Ddim7 – D#m7 – G#7), the chromatic motion is even smoother.