Minor ii-V-i
Half-diminished and diminished sounds often set up a dominant chord resolving to minor.
Guitar chord companion
A Diminished Chord
Learn the A Diminished chord on guitar with chord tones, intervals, and interactive fretboard shapes.
1Ab3Cb5Eb
Playable A Diminished Chord voicings
Start with these chord-box shapes, then use the full fretboard below to see every chord tone.
A shape, open position
Low to high strings: x 0 1 2 1 x
G shape, fret 3
Low to high strings: 5 3 x 5 4 x
E shape, fret 5
Low to high strings: 5 6 7 5 x x
D shape, fret 7
Low to high strings: x x 7 8 x 8
C shape, fret 10
Low to high strings: x 12 10 x 10 11
Full fretboard map
Every A Diminished Chord chord tone across the neck, with roots highlighted for quick orientation.
CAGED
Common progressions using A Diminished
Try these progressions to hear the chord in context instead of treating it as an isolated shape.
Passing diminished motion
Use the tension as a connector between more stable harmony.
Chord Tones
| Degree | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | R | A |
| b3 | b3 | C |
| b5 | b5 | Eb |
Formula
R – b3 – b5