How to play B Diminished on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: x20401
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 4.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 1.
- Let the 4th, 2nd strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: xx9767 (from fret 6)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 9.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 7.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 6.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 7.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: xx9(10)(12)(10) (from fret 9)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 9.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 10.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 12.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 10.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in B Diminished
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| B | 1 (root) |
| D | ♭3 |
| F | ♭5 |
The formula for B Diminished (diminished triad) is 1 ♭3 ♭5: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use B°
Diminished chords are tense and unstable. They are most often used as passing chords that lead smoothly from one chord to the next.
Other B chords
B, Bm, B7, Bmaj7, Bm7, Bsus2, Bsus4, B+, Badd9, B6, Bø7
Other diminished chords on guitar
C°, C♯°, D°, E♭°, E°, F°, F♯°, G°, G♯°, A°, B♭°
Frequently asked questions
How do you play B Diminished on guitar?
The easiest B° shape on guitar is x20401 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 4. Press the 1st string (e) at fret 1. Let the 4th, 2nd strings ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in B Diminished?
B Diminished (B°) contains the notes B D F. The formula is 1 ♭3 ♭5.
How many guitar shapes are there for B°?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See B Diminished on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.