Guitar chord · Intermediate (barre)
G diminished chord (Gdim) — guitar chord chart
Gdim is a diminished chord built on G. Its notes are G, B♭, D♭. Two stacked minor 3rds make the diminished triad tense and unstable; it usually passes quickly to the next chord.
Gdim 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 Gdim
- Lay your index finger flat across fret 3, from the 6th string to the 3rd string (the barre).
- Middle (2) on the 5th string, fret 4 (C♯).
- Ring (3) on the 4th string, fret 5 (G).
- Strum from the 6th string down; don’t play strings 2, 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 3 and play the open Edim shape — it sounds as Gdim. Work out other positions with the capo calculator.
Notes in Gdim
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | G | root |
| ♭3 | B♭ | minor 3rd |
| ♭5 | D♭ | diminished 5th |
Progressions with Gdim
Drill these changes with the chord-change trainer and read how to change chords faster.
FAQ
- What notes are in the Gdim chord?
- Gdim (G diminished) has 3 notes: G, B♭, D♭.
- Is Gdim hard to play?
- It’s a barre chord, but with a capo on fret 3 you can use the open Edim shape instead. Expect a few weeks of practice for a clean barre.
- What’s the difference between Gdim and G?
- G is G B D. Two stacked minor 3rds make the diminished triad tense and unstable; it usually passes quickly to the next chord.