Gdim chord (G diminished) on guitar
Gdim (G diminished) has three notes: G, B flat and D flat. Its formula is 1, b3, b5. In major keys, Gdim is the vii° chord in Ab major.
Gdim chord shapes
Fingers: 4 on D, 2 on G, 1 on B, 3 on e.
Fingers: 3 on E, 1 on A, 2 on B, 4 on e.
Fingers: 1 on D, 2 on G, 4 on B, 3 on e.
Fingers: 3 on E, 1 on A, 4 on G, 2 on B.
Fingers: 1 on E, 3 on A, 4 on D, 2 on G.
Finger 1 barres fret 3, then 2 on A, 3 on D.
Hear it and see every shape in ScaleSpace →
| Symbol | Gdim |
|---|---|
| Also written | G°, Go |
| Notes | G Bb Db |
| Formula | 1 b3 b5 |
| Intervals | root, minor third, tritone |
| Type | Diminished chord |
Gdim across the neck
Guitar · 6-string, tuned low to high: E, A, D, G, B, e. 24 frets.
- E string: fret 3 G (1), fret 6 Bb (flat 3), fret 9 Db (flat 5), fret 15 G (1), fret 18 Bb (flat 3), fret 21 Db (flat 5).
- A string: fret 1 Bb (flat 3), fret 4 Db (flat 5), fret 10 G (1), fret 13 Bb (flat 3), fret 16 Db (flat 5), fret 22 G (1).
- D string: fret 5 G (1), fret 8 Bb (flat 3), fret 11 Db (flat 5), fret 17 G (1), fret 20 Bb (flat 3), fret 23 Db (flat 5).
- G string: fret 0 G (1), fret 3 Bb (flat 3), fret 6 Db (flat 5), fret 12 G (1), fret 15 Bb (flat 3), fret 18 Db (flat 5), fret 24 G (1).
- B string: fret 2 Db (flat 5), fret 8 G (1), fret 11 Bb (flat 3), fret 14 Db (flat 5), fret 20 G (1), fret 23 Bb (flat 3).
- e string: fret 3 G (1), fret 6 Bb (flat 3), fret 9 Db (flat 5), fret 15 G (1), fret 18 Bb (flat 3), fret 21 Db (flat 5).
Swipe the chart sideways to see all of it.
Questions
What notes are in the Gdim chord?
Gdim (G diminished) has three notes: G, B flat and D flat. Its formula is 1, b3, b5. G is the root, Bb is the minor third and Db is the tritone.
How do you play Gdim on guitar?
The easiest shape is xx5323. Fingers: 4 on D, 2 on G, 1 on B, 3 on e.
What key is Gdim in?
In major keys, Gdim is the vii° chord in Ab major. It is diatonic to those keys, so it fits songs in any of them.
What is the difference between Gdim and Gm?
Gdim is Gm with its 5th lowered a half step, from D to Db. That flat 5th is what gives it its tense sound.