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Chord chart for Ao Guitar Chord (A diminished): Notes, Shapes & How to Play | Guitar Wiz

A diminished guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 48 playable shapes

A diminished guitar chord diagram showing fretboard positions
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About the chord

A diminished guitar chord

Ao is the A diminished guitar chord. It uses the notes A, C, and E♭ and the interval formula 1-♭3-♭5.

The A diminished diminished chord is built from minor thirds, including a diminished fifth E♭, producing a tense, unstable sound. This dissonant, unresolved tension is commonly used for dramatic transitions, suspenseful moments, or eerie atmospheres in classical, jazz, and film music.

Also written as Adim and Am♭5.

Root note: A
Quality: diminished
Chord tones: 3
Playable shapes: 48

Chord tones

ACE♭

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape 1

x0a8a8

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  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd string.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 8th fret of the 1st string.
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 10th fret of the 4th string.
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 10th fret of the 2nd string.
  5. 5 Strum from the 5th string down.

Shape 2

x07545

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  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 2nd string.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd string.
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string.
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string.
  5. 5 Strum from the 5th string down.

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

A Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

C Minor Third ♭3

This note supplies the minor color and gives the chord its darker emotional pull.

E♭ Diminished Fifth ♭5

The flattened fifth adds tension and a restless, unstable edge.

Quick answers

What notes are in Ao?

Ao uses the notes A, C, and E♭. Its interval formula is 1-♭3-♭5.

What is another name for Ao?

Ao is also written as Adim and Am♭5.

How do you play Ao on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd string. Place the 2nd finger on the 8th fret of the 1st string. Place the 3rd finger on the 10th fret of the 4th string. Place the 4th finger on the 10th fret of the 2nd string. Strum from the 5th string down.

Related Articles

Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.