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