Edim Diminished Chord

Built from two stacked minor thirds. Creates maximum tension and instability.

Edim Chord — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The Edim (Diminished) chord consists of the notes E, G, A#. It is constructed from the root note E using the diminished interval formula (0–3–6 semitones).

Formula: 0 – 3 – 6
Notes
E – G – A#
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 3 – 6
Type
Triad

Edim on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Edim chord.

R
E (Root (R))
2
G (Minor 3rd (♭3))
3
A# (Tritone (♭5))

Edim on Guitar

The Edim chord uses notes E, G, A#. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

Degree Interval Name Semitones Note in E
Root Root (R) 0 E
3rd Minor 3rd (♭3) 3 G
5th Tritone (♭5) 6 A#

About the E Diminished Chord

The Edim chord (E Diminished) consists of 3 notes: E, G, A#. Built from two stacked minor thirds. Creates maximum tension and instability.

To build any diminished chord, apply intervals of 0, 3, 6 semitones above the root. Starting from E: the notes land on E, G, A#.

Playing Edim on Piano

Press E, G, A# simultaneously. In root position, E is lowest. First inversion places G in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses A# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Edim

  • I–IV–V: Edim – Adim – Bdim (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Edim – B – C#m – A (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Edim – C#m – A – B (50s progression)

The Edim Chord in Context

The Edim (Diminished) chord features a distinctive built from two stacked minor thirds. creates maximum tension and instability. built from the intervals 0–3–6. It provides rich harmonic color and tension across pop, jazz, classical, and contemporary compositions.

Other E Chords

E
Major
Em
Minor
E7
Dominant 7th
Emaj7
Major 7th
Em7
Minor 7th
Eaug
Augmented

Diminished Chord in All 12 Keys

Cdim C#dim Ddim D#dim Edim Fdim F#dim Gdim G#dim Adim A#dim Bdim
Virtual Piano
Play Edim on piano
Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
E Scale
Notes that fit Edim
Songs
Find songs using Edim

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Edim Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What notes are in the Edim chord?

The E Diminished chord contains: E, G, A#.

These notes are derived by applying the diminished interval formula (0–3–6 semitones) to the root note E.

What is the Edim chord used for?

Built from two stacked minor thirds.

Creates maximum tension and instability. The Edim chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of E major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.

How do you play Edim on piano?

On piano, play E, G, A# simultaneously.

In root position, E is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has G lowest, second inversion has A# lowest.

How many notes are in a diminished chord?

A diminished chord has 3 notes: E, G, A# (in E).

It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.

What is the difference between E major and E minor?

The E major chord (E–G#–B) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound.

The E minor chord (E–G–B) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.

What key does Edim belong to?

Edim naturally serves as the I chord in the key of E major.

It also appears as IV in the key of B major, and as V in the key of A major.

Can I play Edim on ukulele?

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Edim chord notes (E, G, A#) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.

What chords go well with Edim?

In the key of E major, Edim pairs naturally with A major (IV), B major (V), and C#m (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (Edim–A–B) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

What is a chord inversion of Edim?

An inversion places a non-root note in the bass.

Edim root position: E in bass. First inversion: G in bass. Second inversion: A# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.

How do I memorize the notes in a diminished chord?

Remember the formula: 0–3–6 semitones from root.

For Edim: start on E, add 3 semitones, then 6 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any diminished chord.