F#dim Guitar Chord
F# Diminished · also written Gbdim · F#–A–C
F#dim is the F# diminished chord: F#–A–C. Its sound is tense and unstable — stacked minor 3rds that work as dramatic passing chords. It's also written as Gbdim — same notes, same shapes, different spelling.
You'll rarely sit on F#dim for a full bar — diminished chords are connectors. Classic uses: passing between the I and ii chords in F 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 easiest way to play F#dim is the open-position shape (2 0 x 2 1 x, low E string to high E string), which uses open strings and stays in the first few frets. 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 F#dim: 7 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
F#dim Chord Theory
| Interval | R | ♭3 | ♭5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | F# | A | C |
F#dim is built from the F# minor scale.
F#dim Chord FAQ
What notes are in the F#dim chord?
F#dim contains 3 notes: F# (R), A (♭3), C (♭5). The interval formula for a diminished chord is R–♭3–♭5.
What is the easiest way to play F#dim on guitar?
Use the open-position shape: 2 0 x 2 1 x (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). It uses open strings, so it needs the least finger strength.
Is F#dim a major or minor chord?
F#dim is built on a minor triad (F#–A–C) with the ♭5 added, so it behaves as a minor-family chord.
Is F#dim the same as Gbdim?
Yes. F# and Gb are enharmonic equivalents — the same pitch written two ways. F#dim and Gbdim use identical shapes and frets; which spelling you see depends on the key of the song.
What keys use the F#dim chord?
F#dim appears diatonically in A major (as vi), E major (as ii), and D major (as iii) — plus it's the home chord (i) of F# minor.
Related Chords
Hear yourself play F#dim
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