Ebdim Chord (Eb diminished) on Guitar
Ebdim (Eb diminished) is made of the notes Eb – Gb – Bbb. The easiest guitar fingering is xx1242 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 4 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play Ebdim
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (Eb).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2 (Bbb).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4 (Eb).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 2 (Gb).
- 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) | 1 | Eb | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 2 | Bbb | b5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 4 | Eb | R |
| 1st string (high e) | 2 | Gb | b3 |
What is a Eb diminished chord?
A diminished chord stacks two minor thirds: root, minor third and diminished (flat) fifth.
Notes and formula. Ebdim contains Eb, Gb, Bbb. Counted from the root Eb, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), b5 (diminished 5th). It is also written D#dim; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
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 Ebdim
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 Ebdim
Ebdim 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
Ebdim chord FAQ
What notes are in a Ebdim chord?
Ebdim (Eb diminished) contains the notes Eb, Gb, Bbb. The formula is R–b3–b5 relative to the root Eb.
How do you play Ebdim on guitar?
The most common shape for Ebdim is xx1242, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 4 fingers and no barre.
Is Ebdim an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 4 fingers and no barre.
Is Ebdim the same as D#dim?
Yes. Eb and D# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Ebdim and D#dim sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Which keys contain Ebdim?
Ebdim is a diatonic chord in E major (vii°), C# minor (ii°).
Get one useful guitar tip a week
New chord guides, practice ideas and app updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.