Notes and intervals of G♯ diminished
- G♯1 · root
- B♭3 · minor third
- D♭5 · diminished fifth
It's the seventh degree of the major scale and works as a passing chord between two chords a whole step apart.
Progressions with G♯dim
Which keys contain G♯ diminished?
G♯dim belongs to 2 keys: in each one it plays a different role depending on the degree (the Roman numeral).
| Key | Degree |
|---|---|
| A major | vii° |
| F♯ natural minor | ii° |
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in a G♯ diminished chord?
G♯ diminished (G♯dim) has 3 notes: G♯ (root), B (minor third), D (diminished fifth).
How do you play G♯ diminished on guitar?
The most common shape starts at fret 6: x x 6 7 9 7 (from the 6th to the 1st string). Finger 1 (index) on fret 6 of the 4th string (D). Finger 2 (middle) on fret 7 of the 3rd string (G). Finger 4 (pinky) on fret 9 of the 2nd string (B). Finger 3 (ring) on fret 7 of the 1st string (E). Don't play the 6th or 5th strings: strum from the 4th.
Is G♯dim the same as A♭dim?
Yes: G♯ diminished and A♭ diminished sound the same and are played the same way (they are enharmonic). The spelling depends on the song's key; you'll see both names in sheet music and songbooks.
How do you write G-sharp diminished as a chord symbol?
It is written G♯dim; you will also see G♯° or G♯m♭5. Letter-name chord notation uses C, D, E, F, G, A, and B for the notes.