Ddim chord on guitar
D Diminished. Notes: D, F and Ab.
How to play Ddim
- Put your index finger on the 3rd (G) string at fret 1 (Ab).
- Put your middle finger on the 1st (high E) string at fret 1 (F).
- Let the open D string ring.
- Don't play the low E, A and B strings: skip them or mute them with a fretting finger.
- Strum from the D string down.
All 4 ways to play Ddim
Easiest first. Tap play to hear each one.Open position
EasyFret 5 position
MediumFret 3 position
MediumFret 8 position
HardNotes and theory
The diminished triad stacks two minor thirds. It sounds tense and unstable and is mostly used as a passing chord. The formula is 1 b3 b5, and you will also see it written as D° and Do.
Keys that use Ddim
More D chords
All D guitar chordsdiminished chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the Ddim chord?
Ddim (D diminished) is made of three notes: D (root), F (minor third) and Ab (diminished fifth).
How do you play Ddim on guitar?
The easiest Ddim is the "open position" shape. Put your index finger on the 3rd (G) string at fret 1 (Ab). Put your middle finger on the 1st (high E) string at fret 1 (F). Let the open D string ring.
Is Ddim hard to play on guitar?
No. The easiest version is rated easy and uses 2 fretted notes plus open strings.
What key is Ddim in?
Ddim belongs to 2 keys: E flat major (as the vii° chord) and C minor (as the ii° chord).
What does a diminished chord sound like?
The diminished triad stacks two minor thirds. It sounds tense and unstable and is mostly used as a passing chord.