In this article, you’ll learn how to construct the G 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, Flat 3rd and Flat 5th
The G dim triad is formed of the 1st, flat 3rd and flat 5th of the G major scale.
- G – root note
- Bb – Minor 3rd above the root
- Db – 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.
G 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 G note.
However, the order of the notes must be the same:
- G – lowest note
- B flat – middle note
- D flat – highest note
This is called ‘root position’.
G dim Chord on Guitar
There are two simple positions that you can use to play a G diminished chords 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 B flat. We still keep the D flat above, but then the G (or root) become the highest note.
- Bb – min 3rd (lowest note)
- Db – dim 5th (middle note)
- G – root note (highest note)
This way of rearranging a triad gives us a different sound as the relative pitches of the three notes has changed.
1st inversion on Piano
On the piano we can play the 1st inversion of a G dim triad by starting on a B flat. They play the Db above and the G above this.
1st Inversion of Guitar
Below are the most common shapes for playing a G diminished chord 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 D flat. We still keep the G above this as we did from the 1st inversion. Then the Bb becomes the highest note in the chord.
- Db – dim 5th (lowest note)
- G – root note (middle note)
- Bb – min 3rd (highest note)
We could construct a 2nd inversion starting on any Db note in any octave. The only thing that must stay the same is that the we use the G above and the Bb above that.
2nd inversion on Piano
On the piano we can play the 2nd inversion of a G dim triad by starting on a Db. They play the G above and the Bb above this.
2nd Inversion of Guitar
Below are the most common shapes for playing a G 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 G Diminished Triad
You might be asking – what key do you find G diminished triad in? Well, as you can see below, G Dim is the second chord in the key of F minor.
It is also the 7th chord in the key of Ab Major.
What’s next….?
- Learn how to construct the G Major triad
- Swat up on your chord knowledge with our complete guide to chords.
