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Chord & Fret

G#dim — diminished

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

Notes in G#dim: G# – B – DFormula: 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

G#dim, 4 5 x 4 x xG#dim132G#D×B××
Guitar
G#dim, 4 5 x 4 x xG#dim132G#D×B××
Electric guitar
G#dim, 6 7 0 6G#dim6132G#DBG#
Cavaquinho
G#dim, 4 2 4 2G#dim3142BDG#B
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 G#dim. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; compare positions with their difficulty marked; 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

G#G#G#G#G#mG#mG#mG#mAbaugG#(b5)G#5

See all chord types and qualities →