The short version
- F♯dim is F sharp diminished, also written G♭dim. Its notes are F♯, A and C (formula 1 – ♭3 – ♭5).
- Easiest way to play it: a barre on the 2nd fret, frets 2 3 4 2 x 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.
- F♯dim turns up in 2 keys: G major (as the vii°) and E minor (as the ii°).
- Can’t barre yet? Capo 2 and play an open Edim shape.
How to play F♯dim on guitar, step by step
Start with the shape marked “Start here” above: the barre chord, root on the 6th string (2nd fret).
- Lay your index finger flat across fret 2, from the 6th (low E) string to the 3rd (G) string. That’s the barre: press near the fret wire and roll the finger slightly onto its side.
- Put your middle finger on fret 3 of the 5th (A) string.
- Put your ring finger on fret 4 of the 4th (D) string.
- Don’t play the B and high E strings: skip them, or touch them lightly with a spare finger so they can’t ring.
- Strum from the 6th (low E) 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 movable shape, root on the 5th string (9th fret): x 9 10 11 10 x. Same chord, different spot on the neck, which helps when the next chord lives nearby.
No barre? No problem. Pop a capo on the 2nd fret and play the open Edim shape: it comes out as F♯dim. (Capo 4 with an open Ddim shape works too.) Barre chords take everyone a few weeks. Mine sounded like a kettle for a month.
Notes in the F♯dim chord
F♯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 F♯dim.
| Note | Interval | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| F♯ | 1 root | Names the chord and anchors the bass. |
| A | ♭3 minor third | Makes it minor (sad). |
| C | ♭5 diminished fifth | The tense, spooky bit. |
What F♯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 F♯dim in?
F♯dim turns up in 2 keys: G major (as the vii°) and E minor (as the ii°). Tap a key to see the rest of its chords on the circle of fifths.
| Key | Numeral | Spelled as |
|---|---|---|
| G major | vii° | F♯dim |
| E minor | ii° | F♯dim |
Chords that go with F♯dim
Here’s a progression to try: G – C – F♯dim – G (I–IV–vii°–I), the diminished chord as the leading-tone chord, pulling up a semitone.
More progressions → Transpose it →
Using F♯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 G – C – F♯dim – G, diminished passing chords, theatrical piano, creeping strings, mysterious and playful vocals
F♯dim chord FAQ
What notes are in the F#dim chord?
F♯dim has 3 notes: F♯ (the root), A (the minor third) and C (the diminished fifth). The chord formula is 1 – ♭3 – ♭5.
How do you play F#dim on guitar?
The medium way is barre chord, root on the 6th string (2nd fret). Strings from low E to high E: 2 3 4 2 x x (x means don’t play that string). Lay your index finger flat across fret 2, from the 6th (low E) string to the 3rd (G) string. That’s the barre: press near the fret wire and roll the finger slightly onto its side. Put your middle finger on fret 3 of the 5th (A) string. Put your ring finger on fret 4 of the 4th (D) string. Don’t play the B and high E strings: skip them, or touch them lightly with a spare finger so they can’t ring.
Is F#dim the same as Gbdim?
Yes. F♯dim and G♭dim are the same chord with the same fingering. They are just spelled differently. You’ll see F♯dim in sharp keys and G♭dim in flat keys.
What key is F#dim in?
F♯dim turns up in 2 keys: G major (as the vii°) and E minor (as the ii°). Major keys: G major. Minor keys: E minor.
What is the difference between F#dim and F#m?
Both have a minor third. F♯m has a perfect fifth (C♯); F♯dim drops it a semitone to C, which makes it tense and unstable.
How can I play F#dim without a barre?
Use a capo. Put it on the 2nd fret and play the open Edim shape or Put it on the 4th fret and play the open Ddim shape. It sounds as F♯dim. You can also play just the top three or four strings of the barre shape.
Other diminished chords
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