Edim Guitar Chord
E Diminished · E–G–Bb
Edim is the E diminished chord: E–G–Bb. Its sound is tense and unstable — stacked minor 3rds that work as dramatic passing chords.
You'll rarely sit on Edim for a full bar — diminished chords are connectors. Classic uses: passing between the I and ii chords in Eb major, or substituting for the V7♭9 a half-step below. The symmetrical shape repeats every three frets, so one grip gives you four chords.
The most common way to play Edim is the diminished grip at the 2nd fret (0 x 2 3 x 3, low E string to high E string). Below you'll find 7 ways to play it across the neck, from open position to barre and shell voicings, with the theory behind the chord and the progressions it lives in.
How to Play Edim: 7 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
Edim Chord Theory
| Interval | R | ♭3 | ♭5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | E | G | Bb |
Edim is built from the E minor scale.
Edim Chord FAQ
What notes are in the Edim chord?
Edim contains 3 notes: E (R), G (♭3), Bb (♭5). The interval formula for a diminished chord is R–♭3–♭5.
What is the easiest way to play Edim on guitar?
Use the diminished grip at the 2nd fret: 0 x 2 3 x 3 (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). Edim has no open-position shape in standard tuning, so this movable form is the standard starting point.
Is Edim a major or minor chord?
Edim is built on a minor triad (E–G–Bb) with the ♭5 added, so it behaves as a minor-family chord.
What keys use the Edim chord?
Edim appears diatonically in G major (as vi), D major (as ii), and C major (as iii) — plus it's the home chord (i) of E minor.
Related Chords
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