Ebdim Guitar Chord
Eb Diminished · also written D#dim · Eb–Gb–A
Ebdim is the Eb diminished chord: Eb–Gb–A. Its sound is tense and unstable — stacked minor 3rds that work as dramatic passing chords. It's also written as D#dim — same notes, same shapes, different spelling.
You'll rarely sit on Ebdim for a full bar — diminished chords are connectors. Classic uses: passing between the I and ii chords in D 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 Ebdim is the neck voicing at the 1st fret (x x 1 2 x 2, 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 Ebdim: 7 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
Ebdim Chord Theory
| Interval | R | ♭3 | ♭5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Eb | Gb | A |
Ebdim is built from the Eb minor scale.
Ebdim Chord FAQ
What notes are in the Ebdim chord?
Ebdim contains 3 notes: Eb (R), Gb (♭3), A (♭5). The interval formula for a diminished chord is R–♭3–♭5.
What is the easiest way to play Ebdim on guitar?
Use the neck voicing at the 1st fret: x x 1 2 x 2 (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). Ebdim has no open-position shape in standard tuning, so this movable form is the standard starting point.
Is Ebdim a major or minor chord?
Ebdim is built on a minor triad (Eb–Gb–A) with the ♭5 added, so it behaves as a minor-family chord.
Is Ebdim the same as D#dim?
Yes. Eb and D# are enharmonic equivalents — the same pitch written two ways. Ebdim and D#dim use identical shapes and frets; which spelling you see depends on the key of the song.
What keys use the Ebdim chord?
Ebdim appears diatonically in F# major (as vi), Db major (as ii), and B major (as iii) — plus it's the home chord (i) of Eb minor.
Related Chords
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