Adim chord (A diminished) on piano
Adim (A diminished) has three notes: A, C and E flat. Its formula is 1, b3, b5. In major keys, Adim is the vii° chord in Bb major.
Adim inversions and fingering
A C Eb · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1
C Eb A · RH 1-2-5 · LH 5-3-1
Eb A C · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-2-1
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| Symbol | Adim |
|---|---|
| Also written | A°, Ao |
| Notes | A C Eb |
| Formula | 1 b3 b5 |
| Intervals | root, minor third, tritone |
| Type | Diminished chord |
Adim across the keyboard
Piano, C3 to C5. Notes in this scale, low to high: C3 (flat 3), Eb3 (flat 5), A3 (1), C4 (flat 3), Eb4 (flat 5), A4 (1), C5 (flat 3).
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Questions
What notes are in the Adim chord?
Adim (A diminished) has three notes: A, C and E flat. Its formula is 1, b3, b5. A is the root, C is the minor third and Eb is the tritone.
How do you play Adim on piano?
Play A, C and Eb together. Root position: A C Eb · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1.
What key is Adim in?
In major keys, Adim is the vii° chord in Bb major. It is diatonic to those keys, so it fits songs in any of them.
What is the difference between Adim and Am?
Adim is Am with its 5th lowered a half step, from E to Eb. That flat 5th is what gives it its tense sound.