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Chord & Fret

Bdim — diminished

Notes in Bdim: B – D – FFormula: 1 – b3 – b5

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

The diminished triad pairs the minor third with the diminished fifth — that is, the fifth shrunk by a semitone. No note is left to rest on: the chord is unstable on purpose and asks for a continuation.

The same chord on all four instruments

Bdim, x 2 3 4 3 xBdim1243×BFBD×
Guitar
Bdim, x 2 3 4 3 xBdim1243×BFBD×
Electric guitar
Bdim, 3 4 3 3Bdim1423FBDF
Cavaquinho
Bdim, 4 2 1 2Bdim4213BDFB
Ukulele

Where to use it: A passing chord between two neighbours, and the seventh degree of major keys. It is almost never the arrival point — it exists to push the music to the next chord.

The shapes of Bdim don't end on this page — the whole neck holds dozens. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Triads family.

Other chords in this family

BBBBBmBmBmBmBaugB(b5)B5

See all chord types and qualities →