G diminished chord (Gdim) on guitar and piano

›

G diminished

The G diminished chord (Gdim) is made of the notes G, Bb and Db. It is built from the root G with a minor third and a diminished fifth.

The diminished chord is unstable and tense: it is mostly used as a passing chord between two other chords.

G diminished

Notes: G – Bb – Db

Guitar — positions on the neck

Piano — root position and inversions

Fingerings and positions

On guitar, this chord can be played in 3 ways along the neck. It is most often played with a barre. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): 3453xx. On piano, the right hand plays 3 notes, in root position or in an inversion.

Notes and intervals

Note

Interval

root

minor third

diminished fifth

In which keys? The G diminished chord is the vii° of Ab major and the ii° of F minor.

Other G chords

G major G minor G7 G major 7 G minor 7 G minor major 7 G6 G minor 6 G add9 G9 G minor 9 G major 9

Neighbouring chords

D diminished C diminished

Scales that contain this chord

G blues G locrian G diminished half–whole G diminished whole–half Ab major F natural minor

Try it in the app

Hear the chords, play them as a progression, switch instrument, note names (Do Ré Mi or C D E) and theme:

Open the chords Open the scales All chords and scales

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the G diminished chord?

The notes of the G diminished chord (Gdim) are G, Bb and Db.

How do you play the G diminished chord on guitar?

On guitar, this chord can be played in 3 ways along the neck. It is most often played with a barre. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): 3453xx.

How is the G diminished chord built?

The G diminished chord (Gdim) is made of the notes G, Bb and Db. It is built from the root G with a minor third and a diminished fifth.

Help and FAQ Privacy Contact