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G#dim(Diminished Chord)

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

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

🎹 G#dim on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the G#dim chord.

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

🎸 G#dim on Guitar

The G#dim chord uses notes G#, B, 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 G#
RootRoot (R)0G#
3rdMinor 3rd (♭3)3B
5thTritone (♭5)6D

About the G# Diminished Chord

The G#dim chord (G# Diminished) consists of 3 notes: G#, B, 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 G#: the notes land on G#, B, D.

Playing G#dim on Piano

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

Common Chord Progressions Using G#dim

  • I–IV–V: G#dim – C#dim – D#dim (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: G#dim – D# – Fm – C# (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: G#dim – Fm – C# – D# (50s progression)

The G#dim Chord in Context

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

Other G# Chords

G#
Major
G#m
Minor
G#7
Dominant 7th
G#maj7
Major 7th
G#m7
Minor 7th
G#aug
Augmented

Diminished Chord in All 12 Keys

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

FAQ

G#dim Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

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