Play the diminished chord on guitar

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.

Chord composition

I♭III♭V
RootMinor thirdDiminished fifth
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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.

Play the diminished chord on the guitar

The Diminished chord positions on guitar

Styles

Jazz Classique Blues Gospel Bossa Nova

Diminished chord

Diminished chord has 1 - ♭3 - ♭5 formula, characterized by minor third (3 semitones) and diminished fifth (6 semitones). This diminished fifth, also called tritone, creates particularly tense dissonant interval.

Example C diminished: C - E♭ - G♭. Two stacked minor thirds (C-E♭ and E♭-G♭), creating unique symmetry.

Historically "diabolus in musica" (devil in music) in Middle Ages, avoided in sacred music. Today essential in jazz, blues, contemporary music to create tension and resolution.

Play diminished

Recommended compact positions

  • Cdim (3-4 strings): Compact shape over 3 frets. Index 1st, middle 2nd, ring 3rd
  • Chromatic usage: Insert between two chords whole tone apart. E.g., C - C#dim - Dm creates elegant chromatic ascent

Symmetry property

Diminished chord repeats every 3 semitones. Cdim = E♭dim = F#dim = Adim. Only 3 unique diminished chords, each with 4 possible names.

Transition technique

Diminished works as harmonic "bridge". Use to modulate between keys or create sophisticated chromatic passages.

Learning diminished

Week 1 - Understanding function

  1. Play C major - Cdim - C major. Feel tension and resolution
  2. Practice chromatic sequence: C - C#dim - Dm - D#dim - Em
  3. Identify diminished as "passing" chord

Week 2 - Mastering positions

  1. Learn movable diminished shape (4 notes on 4 strings)
  2. Move this shape every 3 semitones to get same chord
  3. Explore 3 fundamental diminished shapes

Week 3+ - Musical application

  1. Use in jazz ii-V-I progression with diminished substitution
  2. Create chromatic bass lines: C - C#dim/G - Dm/F - D#dim/G
  3. Experiment resolutions to different chords