Guitar chord · Intermediate (barre)
B diminished chord (Bdim) — guitar chord chart
Bdim is a diminished chord built on B. Its notes are B, D, F. Two stacked minor 3rds make the diminished triad tense and unstable; it usually passes quickly to the next chord.
Bdim chord charts
Numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little). ○ open string, × don’t play. Low E string on the left.
How to play Bdim
- Index (1) on the 5th string, fret 2 (B).
- Middle (2) on the 4th string, fret 3 (F).
- Little finger (4) on the 3rd string, fret 4 (B).
- Ring (3) on the 2nd string, fret 3 (D).
- Strum from the 5th string down; don’t play strings 6, 1.
- Pick the strings one at a time: each note should ring clearly — if one buzzes, move that finger closer to the fret.
No barre yet? Put a capo on fret 2 and play the open Adim shape — it sounds as Bdim. Work out other positions with the capo calculator.
Notes in Bdim
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | root |
| ♭3 | D | minor 3rd |
| ♭5 | F | diminished 5th |
Progressions with Bdim
Drill these changes with the chord-change trainer and read how to change chords faster.
FAQ
- What notes are in the Bdim chord?
- Bdim (B diminished) has 3 notes: B, D, F.
- Is Bdim hard to play?
- It’s a barre chord, but with a capo on fret 2 you can use the open Adim shape instead. Expect a few weeks of practice for a clean barre.
- What’s the difference between Bdim and B?
- B is B D♯ F♯. Two stacked minor 3rds make the diminished triad tense and unstable; it usually passes quickly to the next chord.