Skip to content
Chord & Fret

D#dim — diminished

Also written Ebdim — the same chord, spelled the other way.

Notes in D#dim: D# – F# – AFormula: 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

D#dim, x x 1 2 4 2D#dim1243××D#AD#F#
Guitar
D#dim, x x 1 2 4 2D#dim1243××D#AD#F#
Electric guitar
D#dim, 1 2 4 4D#dim1234D#AD#F#
Cavaquinho
D#dim, 2 3 2 0D#dim132AD#F#A
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.

This is just one shape of D#dim. 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 set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. 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

EbEbEbEbD#mD#mD#mD#mEbaugD#(b5)D#5

See all chord types and qualities →