B diminished chord on piano
Bdim is a diminished chord built on B. It uses the notes B - D - F and sounds tense and unstable; it wants to move somewhere.
- Notes
- B D F
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - ♭5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Bdim
How to play Bdim step by step
- Find B. B is the white key just right of each group of three black keys.
- Add D, 3 half steps above B.
- Add F, 6 half steps above B.
- Press all 3 keys together with fingers 1 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
Bdim inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Which keys use the Bdim chord?
Knowing where a chord lives helps you guess the next chord in a song. Bdim appears naturally in these keys:
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B diminished chord?
The B diminished chord (Bdim) contains 3 notes: B, D, F. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - ♭5.
How do you play Bdim on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on B and play B, D, F together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.