The D diminished chord (Ddim) contains D, F and A♭. Use the keyboard diagram to see the notes, hear the chord and compare root position with its two inversions.
The d diminished triad uses a root, minor third and diminished fifth.
Preserve the written note spelling shown for this chord.
Choose a position to keep the written notes, sounding keys, bass note, playback and print reference synchronized.
Ddim uses 1–♭3–♭5: D–F–A♭.
Compared with D minor, lower the fifth by one semitone.
The chord tones stay the same while the lowest chord tone changes.
| Position | Symbol | Notes, low to high | Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position, current selection | Ddim | D4–F4–A♭4 | D4 |
| First inversion | Ddim/F | F4–A♭4–D5 | F4 |
| Second inversion | Ddim/A♭ | A♭4–D5–F5 | A♭4 |
Fingerings are not included on this page. The diagram shows note positions, not a prescribed hand shape.
Use the written notes, keyboard positions and playback without treating the diagram as a required hand shape.
Read left- and right-hand finger numbersOpen Music Theory
Supports: diminished triad formula and written tone spelling
Scope: Supports the chord formula and spelling only; keyboard layouts are PianoGrid examples, and no fingering is assigned.
D, F, A♭.
1–♭3–♭5.
No. The root stays the same; the lowest chord tone changes.
Select the three pitch classes that make Ddim, then check your answer.
This one-octave exercise checks pitch classes. Order and octave do not affect the result; fingering and live performance are not assessed.
One octave, C through B. Select a key again to remove it.
Chord tones: D–F–A♭ · Formula: 1, ♭3, ♭5
Dots mark the notes to play. C4 is middle C. Numbers identify octaves, not fingers.