G Diminished Triad

Chord Tones: G Diminished Triad

Symbol: dim, ° — Formula: 1-♭3-♭5

Chord Notation

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Harmonic Function

The G diminished chord commonly functions as the dominant (V) in C major — strongest resolution point. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides stable harmonic grounding.

The diminished triad features a flat third and flat fifth, creating a tense, unstable sound. It occurs naturally on the seventh degree of the major scale and resolves strongly to the tonic. The G Diminished Triad specifically contains 3 notes: G, A♯, C♯ (formula: 1-♭3-♭5). On guitar, G-rooted chords benefit from the open G, B, and D strings, enabling full-sounding voicings with minimal fretting. Country, bluegrass, and acoustic pop rely heavily on G-rooted chords, which ring with a bright, open quality on steel-string guitars.

Common Progressions

The G Diminished Triad frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

• viidim-I
• iidim-V

Songs Featuring the Diminished Triad

Well-known songs where the G Diminished Triad — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

• Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin (bridge)
• Killing Me Softly – Roberta Flack
• Black Magic Woman – Santana

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Scales Containing the G Diminished Triad

These scales include the G Diminished Triad as a diatonic or characteristic chord: