A phrase in C minor
- Cm
- Ddim
- G7
- Cm
Hear Ddim in a tonic–chord–dominant–tonic phrase. Its role depends on its position, not just its quality.
Discover the chord. Understand the music.
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Selected:D4F4A♭4
- Root
- 3rd / sus
- 5th
- 7th
- 6th / extensions
Ddim
D diminished
A root, a minor third and a diminished fifth — two stacked minor thirds.
- Chord tones
- D1 · RootF♭3 · 3rdA♭♭5 · 5th
- Formula
- 1–♭3–♭5
- Root / bass
- D / D
- Notes played (low → high)
- D4 · F4 · A♭4
Ddim · diminished
How to Use This Chord
Sound & role
An unstable colour; its destination determines whether it connects chords or creates tension.
Genre examples
Classical
Jazz
Examples of musical settings, not restrictions or claims about how often this chord appears.
Connection & passing potential
A diminished chord can connect to a chord a semitone above its root. It is a passing connection only when placed between surrounding harmonies; the example below demonstrates the resolution.
Diatonic context · example keys
Every chord tone fits these example keys. Other keys may also fit; the chord root is not assumed to be the tonic.
C minor · ii°
natural minor, harmonic minor
E♭ major · vii°
major