Ddim chord (D diminished) on piano
Ddim (D diminished) has three notes: D, F and A flat. Its formula is 1, b3, b5. In major keys, Ddim is the vii° chord in Eb major.
Ddim inversions and fingering
D F Ab · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1
F Ab D · RH 1-2-5 · LH 5-3-1
Ab D F · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-2-1
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| Symbol | Ddim |
|---|---|
| Also written | D°, Do |
| Notes | D F Ab |
| Formula | 1 b3 b5 |
| Intervals | root, minor third, tritone |
| Type | Diminished chord |
Ddim across the keyboard
Piano, C3 to C5. Notes in this scale, low to high: D3 (1), F3 (flat 3), Ab3 (flat 5), D4 (1), F4 (flat 3), Ab4 (flat 5).
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Questions
What notes are in the Ddim chord?
Ddim (D diminished) has three notes: D, F and A flat. Its formula is 1, b3, b5. D is the root, F is the minor third and Ab is the tritone.
How do you play Ddim on piano?
Play D, F and Ab together. Root position: D F Ab · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1.
What key is Ddim in?
In major keys, Ddim is the vii° chord in Eb major. It is diatonic to those keys, so it fits songs in any of them.
What is the difference between Ddim and Dm?
Ddim is Dm with its 5th lowered a half step, from A to Ab. That flat 5th is what gives it its tense sound.