Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
Showing 8 of 55 playable shapes
D♭dim/A♭♭ is the D♭ diminished / A♭♭ (2nd inversion) guitar chord with A♭♭ in the bass. It uses the notes D♭, F♭, and A♭♭ and the interval formula 1-♭3-♭5.
The D♭ diminished diminished chord is built from minor thirds, including a diminished fifth A♭♭, 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. With A♭♭ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 2nd inversion of D♭ diminished.
Also written as D♭dim, D♭o/A♭♭, and D♭m♭5/A♭♭.
These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.
3x2020
342020
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.
D♭dim/A♭♭ uses the notes D♭, F♭, and A♭♭. Its interval formula is 1-♭3-♭5.
D♭dim/A♭♭ is also written as D♭dim, D♭o/A♭♭, and D♭m♭5/A♭♭.
Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string. Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string. Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string. Let the third and first strings ring open. Strum from the 6th string down.
Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.
Learn how to read guitar chord diagrams quickly. Understand dots, numbers, Xs, Os, and finger positions so you can play any chord chart at sight.
Learn chord construction step-by-step: intervals, triads, sevenths, and extensions. Build any chord from theory to fretboard.
Learn chord inversions on guitar to create smoother transitions, richer voicings, and more professional-sounding arrangements. Includes shapes and exercises.
Understand diminished chords on guitar - diminished triads, dim7, half-diminished. Shapes, theory, and creative ways to use these mysterious chords.
