Guitar chord · Beginner
D diminished chord (Ddim) — guitar chord chart
Ddim is a diminished chord built on D. Its notes are D, F, A♭. Two stacked minor 3rds make the diminished triad tense and unstable; it usually passes quickly to the next chord.
Ddim chord charts
Numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little). ○ open string, × don’t play. Low E string on the left.
How to play Ddim
- Index (1) on the 3rd string, fret 1 (A♭).
- Ring (3) on the 2nd string, fret 3 (D).
- Middle (2) on the 1st string, fret 1 (F).
- Let string 4 ring open.
- Strum from the 4th string down; don’t play strings 6, 5.
- Pick the strings one at a time: each note should ring clearly — if one buzzes, move that finger closer to the fret.
Once the open shape is comfortable, try the barre version at fret 5: same chord, higher voice, and a shape you can move all over the neck.
Notes in Ddim
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | root |
| ♭3 | F | minor 3rd |
| ♭5 | A♭ | diminished 5th |
Progressions with Ddim
Drill these changes with the chord-change trainer and read how to change chords faster.
FAQ
- What notes are in the Ddim chord?
- Ddim (D diminished) has 3 notes: D, F, A♭.
- Is Ddim hard to play?
- No — the open-position shape needs no barre, so it’s a good beginner chord.
- What’s the difference between Ddim and D?
- D is D F♯ A. Two stacked minor 3rds make the diminished triad tense and unstable; it usually passes quickly to the next chord.