How to play A Diminished on ukulele
These shapes are for standard GCEA tuning. 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: 5350
- Press the 4th string (G) at fret 5.
- Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 3.
- Press the 2nd string (E) at fret 5.
- Let the 1st string ring open.
Shape 2: 8986 (from fret 6)
- Press the 4th string (G) at fret 8.
- Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 9.
- Press the 2nd string (E) at fret 8.
- Press the 1st string (A) at fret 6.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the string nearest your face to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in A Diminished
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| A | 1 (root) |
| C | ♭3 |
| E♭ | ♭5 |
The formula for A Diminished (diminished triad) is 1 ♭3 ♭5: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use A°
Diminished chords are tense and unstable. They are most often used as passing chords that lead smoothly from one chord to the next.
Other A chords
A, Am, A7, Amaj7, Am7, Asus2, Asus4, A+, Aadd9, A6, Aø7
Other diminished chords on ukulele
C°, C♯°, D°, E♭°, E°, F°, F♯°, G°, G♯°, B♭°, B°
Frequently asked questions
How do you play A Diminished on ukulele?
The easiest A° shape on ukulele is 5350 (Press the 4th string (G) at fret 5. Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 3. Press the 2nd string (E) at fret 5. Let the 1st string ring open.)
What notes are in A Diminished?
A Diminished (A°) contains the notes A C E♭. The formula is 1 ♭3 ♭5.
How many ukulele shapes are there for A°?
There are many. This page shows 2 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See A Diminished on guitar, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full ukulele chord library.