Uploaded December 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The diminished chord can be intimidating or odd, if you don't understand how to use it. Unlocking the sound can make playing a lot of fun!
The diminished chord is made of minor thirds.
The triad formula is 1 b3 b5
The seventh chord formula is 1 b3 b5 bb7
You can form diminished triads by taking your minor chord inversions and flatting the 5th. You can also take any diminished chord and move it 3 frets to get the next inversion.
Another fun tip is understanding that the root of the diminished chord voicing could be any of the notes making up the chord.
Song examples:
I've Got Friends in Low Places: Garth Brooks
This Love: Maroon 5
Stay With Me: Sam Smith
Visit rhinebeckschoolofmusic.com and subscribe!
Become a Patron at patreon.com/rhinebeckschoolofmusic.
The diminished chord can be intimidating or odd, if you don't understand how to use it. Unlocking the sound can make playing a lot of fun!
The diminished chord is made of minor thirds.
The triad formula is 1 b3 b5
The seventh chord formula is 1 b3 b5 bb7
You can form diminished triads by taking your minor chord inversions and flatting the 5th. You can also take any diminished chord and move it 3 frets to get the next inversion.
Another fun tip is understanding that the root of the diminished chord voicing could be any of the notes making up the chord.
Song examples:
I've Got Friends in Low Places: Garth Brooks
This Love: Maroon 5
Stay With Me: Sam Smith
Visit rhinebeckschoolofmusic.com and subscribe!
Become a Patron at patreon.com/rhinebeckschoolofmusic.
