Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
Showing 8 of 48 playable shapes
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.
These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.
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Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.
The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.
This note supplies the minor color and gives the chord its darker emotional pull.
The flattened fifth adds tension and a restless, unstable edge.
Every shape is shown with its diagram and exact fingering instructions.
Ao uses the notes A, C, and E♭. Its interval formula is 1-♭3-♭5.
Ao is also written as Adim and Am♭5.
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. Let the fifth string ring open. Strum from the 5th string down.
Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.
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