D diminished · Guitar
Ddim Chord on Guitar
The Ddim chord (D diminished) is built from the notes D, F and G#. The guitar fingering for it is shown below.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 6 (E): muted
- string 5 (A): muted
- string 4 (D): played open
- string 3 (G): fret 1 — index finger
- string 2 (B): fret 3 — ring finger
- string 1 (E): fret 1 — index finger
Notes in this chord
- D
- F
- G♯
Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – ♭5
How to play
Every guitar shape for Ddim needs a barre, and the lowest one starts at fret 1. Keep the index finger straight and as close to the fret wire as possible, and let the wrist rather than the thumb supply the pressure.
Theory behind the chord
Diminished triads stack two minor thirds, so both the third and the fifth are lowered. The result is unstable and restless, and it usually appears as a passing chord between two stable ones. On Ddim this structure sits on the root D, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 map onto D, F and G#.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the Ddim chord?
- Ddim contains the notes D, F and G#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5.
- How many ways can you play Ddim?
- Minory lists a single guitar fingering for Ddim, and it is a barre shape.
- Is the Ddim chord hard to play?
- Ddim requires a barre, so it can feel demanding at first. Keeping the index finger straight and pressing from the wrist rather than the thumb makes it noticeably easier.
Practise Ddim on your phone
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