E diminished chord on piano
Edim is a diminished chord built on E. It uses the notes E - G - B♭ and sounds tense and unstable; it wants to move somewhere.
- Notes
- E G B♭
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - ♭5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Edim
How to play Edim step by step
- Find E. E is the white key just right of each group of two black keys.
- Add G, 3 half steps above E.
- Add B♭, 6 half steps above E.
- 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.
Edim 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 Edim chord?
Knowing where a chord lives helps you guess the next chord in a song. Edim appears naturally in these keys:
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E diminished chord?
The E diminished chord (Edim) contains 3 notes: E, G, B♭. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - ♭5.
How do you play Edim on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on E and play E, G, B♭ together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.