Gdim Guitar Chord
G Diminished · G–Bb–Db
Gdim is the G diminished chord: G–Bb–Db. Its sound is tense and unstable — stacked minor 3rds that work as dramatic passing chords.
You'll rarely sit on Gdim 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 most common way to play Gdim is the neck voicing at the 1st fret (3 1 x 3 2 x, 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 Gdim: 7 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
Gdim Chord Theory
| Interval | R | ♭3 | ♭5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | G | Bb | Db |
Gdim is built from the G minor scale.
Gdim Chord FAQ
What notes are in the Gdim chord?
Gdim contains 3 notes: G (R), Bb (♭3), Db (♭5). The interval formula for a diminished chord is R–♭3–♭5.
What is the easiest way to play Gdim on guitar?
Use the neck voicing at the 1st fret: 3 1 x 3 2 x (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). Gdim has no open-position shape in standard tuning, so this movable form is the standard starting point.
Is Gdim a major or minor chord?
Gdim is built on a minor triad (G–Bb–Db) with the ♭5 added, so it behaves as a minor-family chord.
What keys use the Gdim chord?
Gdim appears diatonically in Bb major (as vi), F major (as ii), and Eb major (as iii) — plus it's the home chord (i) of G minor.
Related Chords
Hear yourself play Gdim
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