Diminished chord - charango
The diminished chord is a triad composed of a root, a minor third and a diminished fifth. Notated dim or °, it creates strong harmonic tension, often used as a passing chord.
Intervals
| Degree | I | ♭III | ♭V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | Root | Minor third | Diminished fifth |
| Semitones | 0 | 3 | 6 |
Formula 1 - ♭3 - ♭5
Theory
The diminished chord is built with two successive minor thirds (3 + 3 semitones). The diminished fifth (6 semitones) creates a characteristic dissonance. C diminished = C-E♭-G♭, D diminished = D-F-A♭. This chord is symmetrical: each inversion produces another diminished chord.
Examples
Example: Do Diminished
Open position
Styles
Construction
Formula 1 - 3b - 5b: diminished fifth (tritone). Tension and instability.
Learning
Practice in resolution context.
How to play
Compact 3-4 string positions. Chromatic use (C - C#dim - Dm).