Gdim / G° Chord Guide

This page dives into the G diminished (Gdim / G°) chord for guitar—its voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it adds that classic tension and drama in iconic songs. Gdim (G • Bb • Db) is a symmetrical, unstable triad that screams “passing chord” and loves to resolve down a half-step.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play Gdim

Open-Area Classic (xx2323)

e|---3---| B|---2---| G|---3---| D|---2---| A|---x---| E|---x---|

Full Barre (3453xx)

e|---3---| B|---5---| G|---3---| D|---5---| A|---4---| E|---x---|

Low Root (xx5636)

e|---6---| B|---5---| G|---6---| D|---5---| A|---x---| E|---x---|

Movable Dim (xx7878)

e|---8---| B|---7---| G|---8---| D|---7---| A|---x---| E|---x---|

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

Diminished Scales

G Whole-Half Diminished: G Ab Bb B C# D E F

e|--------------------------------6-7-9--|
B|--------------------------6-7-9--------|
G|---------------------5-7-8-------------|
D|---------------5-7-8-------------------|
A|---------4-6-7-------------------------|
E|-3-4-6-7-------------------------------|

G Half-Whole Diminished (dominant): G Ab Bb B C D E F

e|--------------------------------6-7-9--|
B|--------------------------6-7-9--------|
G|---------------------6-7-9-------------|
D|---------------5-7-8-------------------|
A|---------4-6-7-------------------------|
E|-3-4-6-7-------------------------------|

Harmonic Minor Context

A Harmonic Minor (Gdim = vii°): A B C D E F G#

e|--------------------------------7-9-10-|
B|--------------------------7-9-10-------|
G|---------------------5-7-9-------------|
D|---------------5-7-9-------------------|
A|---------5-7-9-------------------------|
E|-5-7-9---------------------------------|

Other Fitting Scales

G Locrian: G Ab Bb C Db Eb F

e|-------------------------------1-3-4-|
B|-------------------------1-3-4-------|
G|-------------------0-1-3-------------|
D|-------------0-1-3-------------------|
A|-------0-2-3-------------------------|
E|-1-3-4-------------------------------|

Gdim in Legendary Songs

The tense, spooky sound of diminished chords fuels drama in jazz, metal, surf, and classic rock:

"Because" by The Beatles – Stacked vocal harmonies over descending diminished chords.
"Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks – Country classic uses Gdim as a dramatic passing chord.
"Michelle" by The Beatles – Gdim in the bridge for French-cabaret flavor.
"This Guy’s in Love with You" by Burt Bacharach – Classic pop/jazz dim passing chords.
"Surfing with the Alien" by Joe Satriani – Fast diminished runs all over the neck.
Countless jazz standards – Gdim is the classic vii°7 passing chord.