A diminished chord is a type of chord that has a tense, unstable, or unresolved sound, often used to create a feeling of suspense or tension in music. It’s built by stacking minor thirds (three semitones) on top of each other, which makes it unique compared to major and minor chords.

A basic diminished triad consists of the Root, the starting note of the chord. Minor 3rd, a note three semitones above the root.

Diminished 5th (or flat 5th), a note six semitones above the root.

A diminished Triad is made up of the root, minor 3rd, and diminished 5th. A diminished seventh (dim7) chord adds a doubly diminished seventh (a minor 3rd above the 5th) on top of the triad, creating a four-note chord. It has even more tension than a regular diminished triad.

Diminished chords have a dark, tense, and unresolved sound because of the close intervals (especially the diminished 5th, which is also called a tritone).

Diminished chords are often used as passing chords to lead to other chords, adding dramatic effect, tension, or dissonance before resolving to a more stable chord. In classical and jazz, they frequently lead back to a tonic or dominant chord.

Below are some diminished chords that can be moved around on the neck.

Portable Diminished with Root on 6th String

Diminished Chord

Portable Diminished with Root on 5th String

Diminished Chord

Portable Diminished with Root on 4th String

Diminished Chord

Portable Full Diminished with Root on 6th String

Diminished Chord

Portable Full Diminished with Root on 5th String

Diminished Chord

Portable Full Diminished with Root on 4th String

Diminished Chord

Portable Half Diminished with Root on 6th String

Diminished Chord

This is also a portable half diminished with root on 6th string with a different fingering. 

Diminished Chord

Portable Half Diminished with Root on 5th String

Diminished Chord

Portable Half Diminished with Root on 4th String

Diminished Chord

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