G#dim Diminished Chord

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

G#dim Chord — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

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

Formula: 0 – 3 – 6
Notes
G# – B – D
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 3 – 6
Type
Triad

G#dim on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the G#dim chord.

R
G# (Root (R))
2
B (Minor 3rd (♭3))
3
D (Tritone (♭5))

G#dim on Guitar

The G#dim chord uses notes G#, B, D. 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 G#
Root Root (R) 0 G#
3rd Minor 3rd (♭3) 3 B
5th Tritone (♭5) 6 D

About the G# Diminished Chord

The G#dim chord (G# Diminished) consists of 3 notes: G#, B, D. 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 G#: the notes land on G#, B, D.

Playing G#dim on Piano

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

Common Chord Progressions Using G#dim

  • I–IV–V: G#dim – C#dim – D#dim (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: G#dim – D# – Fm – C# (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: G#dim – Fm – C# – D# (50s progression)

The G#dim Chord in Context

The G#dim (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 G# Chords

G#
Major
G#m
Minor
G#7
Dominant 7th
G#maj7
Major 7th
G#m7
Minor 7th
G#aug
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 G#dim on piano
Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
G# Scale
Notes that fit G#dim
Songs
Find songs using G#dim

Knowledge Base & FAQs

G#dim 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 G#dim chord?

The G# Diminished chord contains: G#, B, D.

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

What is the G#dim chord used for?

Built from two stacked minor thirds.

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

How do you play G#dim on piano?

On piano, play G#, B, D simultaneously.

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

How many notes are in a diminished chord?

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

It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.

What is the difference between G# major and G# minor?

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

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

What key does G#dim belong to?

G#dim naturally serves as the I chord in the key of G# major.

It also appears as IV in the key of D# major, and as V in the key of C# major.

Can I play G#dim on ukulele?

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The G#dim chord notes (G#, B, D) 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 G#dim?

In the key of G# major, G#dim pairs naturally with C# major (IV), D# major (V), and Fm (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (G#dim–C#–D#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

What is a chord inversion of G#dim?

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

G#dim root position: G# in bass. First inversion: B in bass. Second inversion: D 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 G#dim: start on G#, add 3 semitones, then 6 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any diminished chord.