Diminished Chords
Eb°,A°,C°,Gb°
Apart from the º, other symbols used for a diminished chord are the abbreviation "dim," or a minus sign; e.g., "Cdim" or C-’ represent Cº.
Each diminished shape represents four different diminished chords. The formula for a diminished chord is I - b III - b V - bb VII*, so an analysis of the given shape reveals:
Because each shape represents four diminished chords, the complete range is covered in three frets and thus each shape repeats the same chords every three frets. Try playing this shape at the first fret, then the fourth, seventh and tenth frets. You are playing the same chord each time but the movement up the guitar neck creates an interesting and suspenseful sound.
Rhythm Pattern
Try the following example, using a Bbº at the second position, and open shapes for the other chords.
Rhythm Pattern
Although only one shape is necessary for diminished chords, there are two others that are frequently used by guitarists:
* A double flat sign (bb) lowers the note’s pitch by one tone (two semitones). For double sharps a cross (!) is used, e.g., C! = D
