What is a Diminished Chord?
A diminished chord is a type of triad that is built on two minor thirds stacked on top of each other. It consists of three notes: the root, the minor third, and the diminished fifth. The interval of a diminished fifth is equivalent to a flattened fifth from the root note. For example, in a C diminished chord, the notes would be C (root), E♭ (minor third), and G♭ (diminished fifth).
Diminished chords are often represented using the symbol "dim" or with a degree sign (°). They create a tense and unresolved sound, which adds emotional depth to music. As a result, they are commonly used in various genres, particularly in classical, jazz, and modern compositions.
One of the unique characteristics of diminished chords is that they are symmetrical. This means that starting from any note, you can form a diminished chord by applying the same interval structure (minor third and diminished fifth). For instance, an E diminished chord would consist of E, G, and B♭.
In harmonic contexts, diminished chords function as transitional or passing chords, often leading to a resolution in a major or minor chord. They can also create a sense of anticipation, making them a powerful tool in music composition.