Ddim Chord (D diminished) on Guitar
Ddim (D diminished) is made of the notes D – F – Ab. The easiest guitar fingering is xx0131 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Ddim
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (Ab).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3 (D).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 1 (F).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 5th string (A).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | x (mute) | - | |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | Ab | b5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 3 | D | R |
| 1st string (high e) | 1 | F | b3 |
What is a D diminished chord?
A diminished chord stacks two minor thirds: root, minor third and diminished (flat) fifth.
Notes and formula. Ddim contains D, F, Ab. Counted from the root D, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), b5 (diminished 5th).
Sound. Tense, unstable and spooky. It sounds like it must move somewhere.
Where it is used. Used as a passing chord between two diatonic chords, as in a movie suspense cue, and in jazz and classical music.
Tips for playing Ddim
Because the chord is symmetrical, the same shape moved up three frets gives the same notes in a different order.
Common mistake: Leaving the chord hanging. Diminished chords almost always resolve up a half step.
Keys that contain Ddim
Ddim is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Related chords
Ddim chord FAQ
What notes are in a Ddim chord?
Ddim (D diminished) contains the notes D, F, Ab. The formula is R–b3–b5 relative to the root D.
How do you play Ddim on guitar?
The most common shape for Ddim is xx0131, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is Ddim an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Which keys contain Ddim?
Ddim is a diatonic chord in Eb major (vii°), C minor (ii°).
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