The G Diminished Chord for Left-Handed Guitarists


G Diminished is a compact chord with a sharp and dissonant sound.

In the following guide, you will learn how to play the G Diminished chord on a left-handed guitar. You’ll explore its construction from the notes G, B♭, D♭, based on the Root, Minor 3rd, and Diminished 5th intervals of the G Major scale.

Left-handed chord diagrams and tips for finger placement are also included to help you incorporate G Diminished into your chord progressions.

Interested in learning more left-handed chords? Check out our left-handed chord library.

How to Play the G Diminished Chord

G Diminished Chord Chart

Fingering (right-hand):

• Index finger (1st finger) on the 1st fret of the 2nd (B) string
• Middle finger (2nd finger) on the 2nd fret of the 1st (e) string
• Ring finger (3rd finger) on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string
• Pinky Finger (4th finger) on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string

Strumming (left-hand):

Strum all the strings from the sixth string (E) down.

* Please note: This (and all chord charts on this website) are shown in left-handed orientation.

Alternate G Diminished Chord Voicings

The chord voicings below represent alternative ways to play the G Diminished chord, using the same notes:G, B♭, D♭, but arranged differently on the fretboard.

These variations provide tonal variety and adapt the chord to different musical contexts.

* Please note: This (and all chord charts on this website) are shown in left-handed orientation.


Tips For Playing the G Diminished Chord For Left-Handers

Here are some tips specific to playing the G diminished chord:

• Strumming Accuracy: Focus on strumming only the strings from the 4th (D) string downward, avoiding the 5th and 6th strings to maintain the chord’s harmonic clarity.
• Relaxation: Keep your hand relaxed to reduce tension and ensure smooth finger transitions.
• Fingering Precision: Use the very tips of your fingers to press the strings, ensuring you don’t accidentally mute adjacent notes.
• Hand Positioning: Keep your thumb centered on the back of the neck to provide stability and support while forming the chord.
• Stretch Practice: Work on the stretch required between your middle and pinky fingers by practicing slowly and gradually increasing speed.


G Diminished Chord Construction

How Are Chords Constructed?

Chords can be constructed from scales by using scale degrees or intervals. Scale degrees indicate the position of each note within the scale, intervals describe the distance from the root note to other notes in the scale. For example, a major triad includes the root, the major 3rd, and the perfect 5th intervals derived from the A Major to create its distinct sound.


Being a diminished triad the G Diminished chord includes the Root, Minor 3rd, and Diminished 5th intervals derived from the G Major scale to create its distinct sound.

In terms of scale degrees, the G Diminished chord is built using the 1st, ♭3rd (The 3rd degree of the scale is lowered by one semitone), and ♭5th (The 5th degree of the scale is also lowered by one semitone) degrees of the G Major scale.

These degrees correspond to specific intervals that outline the notes of the chord.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the G Major scale showing how its notes contribute to constructing the G Diminished chord.

G Diminished Chord Construction

Scale Degree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Scale Degree 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intervals Root R M2 M3 P4 P5 M6 M7
G Major Scale Degrees 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Notes G A B C D E F♯

The notes that form the G Diminished chord are G, B♭, D♭.

These notes are named according to music theory conventions, but their enharmonic equivalents are more familiar (e.g., E♯ = F, C♭ = B, E♭♭ = D, F♭ = E, G♭ = F♯, etc.) for practical understanding.

How Does G Diminished Chord Work in Music?

The G Diminished chord is often considered non-diatonic, as it is not built from the major scale’s diatonic triads. However, diminished chords can function diatonically in minor scales and are frequently used to create tension and connect other chords in progressions.

Leading Tone Function

The diminished chord acts as a vii° or vii°7 chord, resolving upward to the tonic chord with a strong sense of direction.

Passing Chord

It connects two diatonic chords with smooth chromatic motion, creating tension between them.

Resolution

It resolves chromatically or diatonically to a stable chord, releasing the tension it creates.

Progression Key Possible Use of G Diminished
G → G Diminished → C G Major Adds chromatic movement between tonic (G) and subdominant (C).
D → G Diminished → G G Major Creates tension and resolves strongly to the tonic (G).
G Diminished → G G Major Resolves smoothly to the tonic (G), enhancing tension and release.
  • Diminished chords are a staple in classical music, where they build tension before resolving to a tonic chord.
  • They are widely used in jazz, metal, and other genres to add drama and dissonance to harmonic progressions.

Wrapping Up

Understanding the G Diminished chord’s construction, role in progressions, and variations will allow you to incorporate G Diminished into your playing with confidence and creativity.

More left-hand resources like this are available from
our left-handed chord database page.

About Marty

My name's Marty, I've been tinkering around on left-handed guitars for over 30 years.