E♭ diminished (E♭dim) chord on piano

The E♭ diminished chord (E♭dim) is a diminished triad (two minor thirds), made of three notes: E♭ – G♭ – B𝄫. The same chord with a different spelling: D♯ diminished (D♯dim).

Root position: E♭4 – G♭4 – B𝄫4

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What the E♭dim chord sounds like

A diminished triad is two stacked minor thirds with a diminished fifth. It sounds tense and unsettled; in a major key it sits on degree vii and leads into the tonic.

Notes of the E♭dim chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	E♭	root
3	G♭	minor third (3 semitones)
5	B𝄫	diminished fifth (6 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

E♭4 – G♭4 – B𝄫4

1st inversion

G♭4 – B𝄫4 – E♭5

2nd inversion

B𝄫4 – E♭5 – G♭5

Similar chords and substitutes

If E♭dim is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

B7 – an incomplete dominant: the diminished chord is the top of this seventh chord
E – where it leads (leading tone → root)

Richer versions

E♭dim7 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
E♭m7b5 – the same chord plus 1 colour note

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the E♭dim chord?

E♭, G♭, B𝄫. The root is E♭; the intervals of the other notes from the root: minor third, diminished fifth.

How do I play the E♭dim chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the E♭dim chord written?

The chord symbol is E♭dim (also written Ebdim), and its full name is E♭ diminished.