The short version
- E♭dim is E flat diminished, also written D♯dim. Its notes are E♭, G♭ and B𝄫 (sounds as A) (formula 1 – ♭3 – ♭5).
- Easiest way to play it: a no-barre shape at the 6th fret, frets x 6 7 8 7 x from low E to high E (x = don’t play).
- It sounds tense, spooky, unresolved. Use it as a passing chord that leads up a semitone (Bdim to C), or as the vii° of a major key.
- E♭dim turns up in 2 keys: E major (as the vii°) and C♯ minor (as the ii°).
- Try it in: E – A – E♭dim – E, the diminished chord as the leading-tone chord, pulling up a semitone.
How to play E♭dim on guitar, step by step
Start with the shape marked “Start here” above: the movable shape, root on the 5th string (6th fret).
- Put your index finger on fret 6 of the 5th (A) string.
- Put your middle finger on fret 7 of the 4th (D) string.
- Put your ring finger on fret 7 of the 2nd (B) string.
- Put your little finger on fret 8 of the 3rd (G) string.
- Don’t play the low E and high E strings: skip them, or touch them lightly with a spare finger so they can’t ring.
- Strum from the 5th (A) string down, then press Strum on this page to check it sounds the same.
Once that’s comfy, try the other shape. Shape 2 is the barre chord, root on the 6th string (11th fret): 11 12 13 11 x x. Same chord, different spot on the neck, which helps when the next chord lives nearby.
Slide it around: this shape has no open strings and no barre, so the same fingering works on any fret. Move it up two frets and it becomes Fdim. One shape, twelve chords, zero extra homework.
Notes in the E♭dim chord
E♭dim is built from 3 notes. On guitar you’ll often play some of them twice, on different strings. That’s normal; the chord is still E♭dim.
| Note | Interval | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| E♭ | 1 root | Names the chord and anchors the bass. |
| G♭ | ♭3 minor third | Makes it minor (sad). |
| B𝄫 (sounds as A) | ♭5 diminished fifth | The tense, spooky bit. |
What E♭dim sounds like, and when to use it
Two minor thirds stacked up. Tense and a little spooky: the chord that plays in old films when the villain twirls his moustache. Use it as a passing chord that leads up a semitone (Bdim to C), or as the vii° of a major key.
What key is E♭dim in?
E♭dim turns up in 2 keys: E major (as the vii°) and C♯ minor (as the ii°). Tap a key to see the rest of its chords on the circle of fifths.
| Key | Numeral | Spelled as |
|---|---|---|
| E major | vii° | D♯dim |
| C♯ minor | ii° | D♯dim |
Chords that go with E♭dim
Here’s a progression to try: E – A – E♭dim – E (I–IV–vii°–I), the diminished chord as the leading-tone chord, pulling up a semitone.
More progressions → Transpose it →
Using E♭dim in a Suno prompt
Suno pays attention to chord names in a style prompt, at least some of the time. Put the progression in, keep the BPM, and let it fill in the rest. Then compare its guitar part with the shapes above.
Dark cabaret, 88 BPM, chord progression E – A – E♭dim – E, diminished passing chords, theatrical piano, creeping strings, mysterious and playful vocals
E♭dim chord FAQ
What notes are in the Ebdim chord?
E♭dim has 3 notes: E♭ (the root), G♭ (the minor third) and B𝄫 (sounds as A) (the diminished fifth). The chord formula is 1 – ♭3 – ♭5.
How do you play Ebdim on guitar?
The medium way is movable shape, root on the 5th string (6th fret). Strings from low E to high E: x 6 7 8 7 x (x means don’t play that string). Put your index finger on fret 6 of the 5th (A) string. Put your middle finger on fret 7 of the 4th (D) string. Put your ring finger on fret 7 of the 2nd (B) string. Put your little finger on fret 8 of the 3rd (G) string. Don’t play the low E and high E strings: skip them, or touch them lightly with a spare finger so they can’t ring.
Is Ebdim the same as D#dim?
Yes. E♭dim and D♯dim are the same chord with the same fingering. They are just spelled differently. You’ll see D♯dim in sharp keys and E♭dim in flat keys.
What key is Ebdim in?
E♭dim turns up in 2 keys: E major (as the vii°) and C♯ minor (as the ii°). Major keys: E major. Minor keys: C♯ minor.
What is the difference between Ebdim and Ebm?
Both have a minor third. E♭m has a perfect fifth (B♭); E♭dim drops it a semitone to B𝄫, which makes it tense and unstable.
What chords go well with Ebdim?
Try E, B7, G♭m and D♭m. The progression E – A – E♭dim – E (I–IV–vii°–I) is the diminished chord as the leading-tone chord, pulling up a semitone. Press Play progression on this page to hear it.
Other diminished chords
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