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Chord & Fret

A#dim — diminished

Also written Bbdim — the same chord, spelled the other way.

Notes in A#dim: A# – C# – EFormula: 1 – b3 – b5

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

The diminished triad pairs the minor third with the diminished fifth — that is, the fifth shrunk by a semitone. No note is left to rest on: the chord is unstable on purpose and asks for a continuation.

The same chord on all four instruments

A#dim, x 1 2 3 2 xA#dim1243×A#EA#C#×
Guitar
A#dim, x 1 2 3 2 xA#dim1243×A#EA#C#×
Electric guitar
A#dim, 2 3 2 2A#dim1423EA#C#E
Cavaquinho
A#dim, 3 1 0 1A#dim312A#C#EA#
Ukulele

Where to use it: A passing chord between two neighbours, and the seventh degree of major keys. It is almost never the arrival point — it exists to push the music to the next chord.

This is just one shape of A#dim. In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Triads family.

Other chords in this family

BbBbBbBbA#mA#mA#mA#mBbaugBb(b5)A#5

See all chord types and qualities →