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Bdim(Diminished Chord)

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

Notes
B – D – F
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 3 – 6
Type
Triad

🎹 Bdim on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Bdim chord.

R
B(Root (R))
2
D(Minor 3rd (♭3))
3
F(Tritone (♭5))

🎸 Bdim on Guitar

The Bdim chord uses notes B, D, F. 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 B
RootRoot (R)0B
3rdMinor 3rd (♭3)3D
5thTritone (♭5)6F

About the B Diminished Chord

The Bdim chord (B Diminished) consists of 3 notes: B, D, F. 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 B: the notes land on B, D, F.

Playing Bdim on Piano

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

Common Chord Progressions Using Bdim

  • I–IV–V: Bdim – Edim – F#dim (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Bdim – F# – G#m – E (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Bdim – G#m – E – F# (50s progression)

The Bdim Chord in Context

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

Other B Chords

B
Major
Bm
Minor
B7
Dominant 7th
Bmaj7
Major 7th
Bm7
Minor 7th
Baug
Augmented

Diminished Chord in All 12 Keys

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

FAQ

Bdim Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Bdim chord?
The B Diminished chord contains: B, D, F. These notes are derived by applying the diminished interval formula (0–3–6 semitones) to the root note B.
What is the Bdim chord used for?
Built from two stacked minor thirds. Creates maximum tension and instability. The Bdim chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of B major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play Bdim on piano?
On piano, play B, D, F simultaneously. In root position, B is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has D lowest, second inversion has F lowest.
How many notes are in a diminished chord?
A diminished chord has 3 notes: B, D, F (in B). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between B major and B minor?
The B major chord (B–D#–F#) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The B minor chord (B–D–F#) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does Bdim belong to?
Bdim naturally serves as the I chord in the key of B major. It also appears as IV in the key of F# major, and as V in the key of E major.
Can I play Bdim on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Bdim chord notes (B, D, F) 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 Bdim?
In the key of B major, Bdim pairs naturally with E major (IV), F# major (V), and G#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (Bdim–E–F#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of Bdim?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. Bdim root position: B in bass. First inversion: D in bass. Second inversion: F 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 Bdim: start on B, add 3 semitones, then 6 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any diminished chord.