Leading-tone resolution
in C major
Piano chord
B Diminished Piano Chord (Bdim)
The B Diminished chord on piano is made of the notes B, D and F. Tense and unstable. Often used as a passing chord.
Tap any key to hear it.
What notes are in B Diminished?
3 notes, built 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 up from B.
- Notes
- B – D – F
- Formula
- 1 – ♭3 – ♭5
- Semitones from the root
- 0 – 3 – 6
- Symbol
- Bdim
- Chord type
- Diminished, 3 notes
How to play B Diminished on piano
- Right hand: B (1), D (3), F (5). Fingers 1 – 3 – 5, thumb on B.
- Left hand: B (5), D (3), F (1). Fingers 5 – 3 – 1, little finger on B.
Fingers are numbered 1 (thumb) to 5 (little finger) on both hands.
B Diminished inversions
Each inversion puts a different note of the chord in the bass. Written as a slash chord: Bdim/D, Bdim/F.
Can you find B Diminished?
Tap the notes on the keyboard, then check. Six chords, starting with this one.
1 / 6 Tap the notes of B Diminished (Bdim)
Score 0
Any octave, any order. Each key you tap plays.
What key is B Diminished in?
The keys whose scale contains every note of Bdim, with the chord’s Roman numeral in each.
Major keys
- C majorvii°
Minor keys
- A minorii°
B Diminished chord FAQ
What notes are in the B Diminished chord?
B Diminished (Bdim) has 3 notes: B, D and F. Its formula is 1 – ♭3 – ♭5, counted up from B.
How do you play B Diminished on the piano?
Put your right thumb on B and play B, D and F with fingers 1 – 3 – 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 – 3 – 1, little finger on B.
What are the inversions of B Diminished?
1st inversion: D, F, B (Bdim/D). 2nd inversion: F, B, D (Bdim/F).
What key is B Diminished in?
Bdim belongs to C major (vii°) and A minor (ii°).