Piano chord
FdimF diminished
- F1
- A♭♭3
- C♭♭5
- Notes
- 3
- Positions
- 3
- Span
- 6semitones
- Fingers
- 1-3-5
How to play Fdim on piano
- Find F: it is the root and the lowest note of the chord in root position.
- Right hand: 1 on F, 3 on A♭, 5 on C♭.
- Or with the left hand: 5 on F, 3 on A♭, 1 on C♭.
- Press the keys together, with curved fingers and a loose wrist, and let them ring.
Root position · F – A♭ – C♭
1st inversion · A♭ – C♭ – F
2nd inversion · C♭ – F – A♭
Numbers on the keys are fingers: 1 thumb, 2 index, 3 middle, 4 ring, 5 little finger.
Fdim inversions
Fdim can be played in 3 positions. In root position F is at the bottom; each inversion moves the lowest note up an octave, so another chord tone becomes the bass.
- Root positionbass: FRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 1st inversionbass: A♭Right hand 1-2-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 2nd inversionbass: C♭Right hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-2-1
Chords that go with Fdim
The other chords of F sharp major, the key where Fdim is home (vii°). Songs in this key move between them.
Fdim with two hands
A full sound: the left hand plays F an octave lower, the right hand plays F–A♭–C♭.
Fdim on other instruments
About the Fdim chord
F diminished has 3 notes: F (1), A♭ (♭3), C♭ (♭5). A diminished triad: two minor thirds stacked, with a flat fifth. Tense and unstable, it leads strongly to the next chord.
On the keyboard, start from F and add the other notes above it: F – A♭ – C♭. From the lowest to the highest key that is 6 semitones. That is less than an octave, so Fdim sits comfortably under one hand.
Each inversion of Fdim puts a different note in the bass. In the 1st inversion the bass is A♭ (A♭–C♭–F). In the 2nd inversion the bass is C♭ (C♭–F–A♭).
Fdim is Fdim7 without E𝄫.
Keys that contain Fdim: F sharp major (vii°), E flat minor (ii°).
Questions
What notes are in the Fdim chord?
Fdim (F diminished) has 3 notes: F (1), A♭ (♭3), C♭ (♭5).
How many inversions does Fdim have?
Fdim can be played in 3 positions: Root position (F–A♭–C♭); 1st inversion (A♭–C♭–F); 2nd inversion (C♭–F–A♭).
What is the difference between Fdim and Fdim7?
Fdim is Fdim7 without E𝄫.
Can I play Fdim with one hand?
Yes. In root position Fdim spans 6 semitones, less than an octave, so one hand holds it easily.