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Adim(Diminished Chord)

Built from two stacked minor thirds. Creates maximum tension and instability.

Notes
A – C – D#
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 3 – 6
Type
Triad

🎹 Adim on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Adim chord.

R
A(Root (R))
2
C(Minor 3rd (♭3))
3
D#(Tritone (♭5))

🎸 Adim on Guitar

The Adim chord uses notes A, C, D#. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in A
RootRoot (R)0A
3rdMinor 3rd (♭3)3C
5thTritone (♭5)6D#

About the A Diminished Chord

The Adim chord (A Diminished) consists of 3 notes: A, C, D#. Built from two stacked minor thirds. Creates maximum tension and instability.

To build any diminished chord, apply intervals of 0, 3, 6 semitones above the root. Starting from A: the notes land on A, C, D#.

Playing Adim on Piano

Press A, C, D# simultaneously. In root position, A is lowest. First inversion places C in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses D# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Adim

  • I–IV–V: Adim – Ddim – Edim (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Adim – E – F#m – D (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Adim – F#m – D – E (50s progression)

The Adim Chord in Context

As a diminished chord, Adim is the tonic (I) in the key of A major. It also appears as the IV chord in E major, and as the V chord in D major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

Other A Chords

A
Major
Am
Minor
A7
Dominant 7th
Amaj7
Major 7th
Am7
Minor 7th
Aaug
Augmented

Diminished Chord in All 12 Keys

CdimC#dimDdimD#dimEdimFdimF#dimGdimG#dimAdimA#dimBdim
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play Adim on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 A Scale
Notes that fit Adim
🎶 Songs
Find songs using Adim

FAQ

Adim Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Adim chord?
The A Diminished chord contains: A, C, D#. These notes are derived by applying the diminished interval formula (0–3–6 semitones) to the root note A.
What is the Adim chord used for?
Built from two stacked minor thirds. Creates maximum tension and instability. The Adim chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of A major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play Adim on piano?
On piano, play A, C, D# simultaneously. In root position, A is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has C lowest, second inversion has D# lowest.
How many notes are in a diminished chord?
A diminished chord has 3 notes: A, C, D# (in A). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between A major and A minor?
The A major chord (A–C#–E) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The A minor chord (A–C–E) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does Adim belong to?
Adim naturally serves as the I chord in the key of A major. It also appears as IV in the key of E major, and as V in the key of D major.
Can I play Adim on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Adim chord notes (A, C, D#) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with Adim?
In the key of A major, Adim pairs naturally with D major (IV), E major (V), and F#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (Adim–D–E) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of Adim?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. Adim root position: A in bass. First inversion: C in bass. Second inversion: D# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a diminished chord?
Remember the formula: 0–3–6 semitones from root. For Adim: start on A, add 3 semitones, then 6 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any diminished chord.