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