In this article, you’ll learn how to construct the B diminished triad as well as how to play it on piano and guitar.
We’ve also included sections on inversions for those that want a deeper understanding. Lastly, listen to some examples of popular songs that featured this triad.
Root , 3rd and 5th
The B diminished triad is formed of the 1st, flat 3rd and flat 5th of the B major scale.
- B – root note
- D – Minor 3rd above the root
- F – diminished 5th above the root
Here is the triad written on the stave in the treble and bass clef.
Before you read on make sure that you have a basic understanding of intervals. Intervals are vital for understanding how triads are built. Check out our guide to major, minor and perfect intervals for more on this.
B diminished Triad on Piano
Below you can see how to play this triad on the keyboard or piano. This pattern of notes could also be played starting on any B note.
However, the order of the notes must be the same:
- B – lowest note
- D- middle note
- F- highest note
This is called ‘root position’.
B Dim Chord on Guitar
There are two simple positions that you can use to play a B diminished triad on guitar. Both positions can also be slide up or down the neck to play different diminished triads.
1st Inversion
A 1st inversion is where we take a triad but we start on the second note, which in this case is D. We still keep the F above, but then the B (or root) become the highest note.
This way of rearranging a triad gives us a different sound as the relative pitches of the three notes has changed.
- D – min 3rd (lowest note)
- F – dim 5th (middle note)
- B – root note (highest note)
1st inversion on Piano
On the piano we can play the 1st inversion of a B dim chord by starting on a D. Then play the F natural above and the B above this.
1st Inversion of Guitar
Below are the most common shapes for playing a B dim triad in the 1st inversion. Remember that we can only use certain shapes are the pitches of the three notes are important.
2nd Inversion
A 2nd inversion is where we take a triad but we start on the third note, which in this case is F. We still keep the B above this as we did from the 1st inversion. Then the D becomes the highest note in the chord.
- F – dim 5th (lowest note)
- B – root note (middle note)
- D – min 3rd (highest note)
We could construct a 2nd inversion starting on any F note in any octave. The only thing that must stay the same is that the we use the B above and the D above that.
2nd inversion on Piano
On the piano we can play the 2nd inversion of a B diminished triad by starting on a F. They play the B above and the D above this.
2nd Inversion of Guitar
Below are the most common shapes for playing a B diminished chord in the 2nd inversion. Remember that we can only use certain shapes are the pitches of the three notes are important.
Keys that Include B Diminished Triad
You might be asking – what key do you find a B diminished chord in? Well, as you can see below, B Dim is the second chord in the key of A minor.
It is also the 7th chord in the key of C Major.
What’s next….?
- Learn how to construct the B major triad
- Swat up on your chord knowledge with our complete guide to chords.
