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Gdim(Diminished Chord)

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

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

🎹 Gdim on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Gdim chord.

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

🎸 Gdim on Guitar

The Gdim chord uses notes G, A#, C#. 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)3A#
5thTritone (♭5)6C#

About the G Diminished Chord

The Gdim chord (G Diminished) consists of 3 notes: G, A#, C#. 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, A#, C#.

Playing Gdim on Piano

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

Common Chord Progressions Using Gdim

  • I–IV–V: Gdim – Cdim – Ddim (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Gdim – D – Em – C (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Gdim – Em – C – D (50s progression)

The Gdim Chord in Context

As a diminished chord, Gdim 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
Gm
Minor
G7
Dominant 7th
Gmaj7
Major 7th
Gm7
Minor 7th
Gaug
Augmented

Diminished Chord in All 12 Keys

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

FAQ

Gdim Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

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