The Dimished chord is very often misunderstood or used in properly. Joe Pass, a well-known jazz guitar player calls it a transitional chord, he uses it to get from chord to another. When used in this manner – C7 C7-9 F6 it adds so much to the sound to the chord progression.

To get the full value you must use fingered chords. One note changes from C7 to C7-9 --- C note to the C# leading you to D the 6th of the coming F6 chord.

John C.

Will this make you sound much better –No! It just adds a little flavor.