Diminished chord
Level 4: 7th chords and beyond
Notes: B, D, F · Frets 2 to 4
Also known as: Bdim, B°, B diminished, B dim
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), B diminished. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), B diminished. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play B diminished
- Place your first finger on the second fret of the A string.
- Place your second finger on the third fret of the D string.
- Place your third finger on the third fret of the B string.
- Place your fourth finger on the fourth fret of the G string.
- Strum only the A, D, G and B strings.
Tips for new players
- Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
- Practice at a slow, steady pace, then try the progression below.
Chord video
Watch B diminished, step by step
A short animation that builds the B diminished chart and explains every symbol on it.
- X marks a string that is muted or not played.
- Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
- Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.
Learn and practice B diminished
Practice progression
Bdim, Cdim, Ddim
Switch between Bdim, Cdim and Ddim until the changes feel smooth.
Chords to learn next
Bdim up the neck
The same chord in other places on the fretboard. Tap Hear it to listen, or Watch to play the animation for your hand.