E diminished · Piano

Edim Chord on Piano

The Edim chord (E diminished) is built from the notes E, G and A#. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press.

Chord diagrams

Edim
Edim chord diagram for pianoEGA♯

Notes in this chord

  • E
  • G
  • A♯

Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – ♭5

How to play

To play Edim on piano, press E, G and A# together. In root position the lowest note is E, and the finger numbers follow the keys left to right in the diagram.

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 Edim this structure sits on the root E, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 map onto E, G and A#.

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the Edim chord?
Edim contains the notes E, G and A#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – ♭5.

Practise Edim on your phone

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