Spread Triads: Diminished Chords
Practice these spread diminished triads, and then try to find a context for them. Visualize how they fit into other structures; how does each of these compare to a regular minor chord?
Consider practicing them in the context of a real chord progression, such as from D, Fo, to E- and to A. This will give context to them and help you put them to use in real music.
Sixth String
Fo Root position spread triad
Fo First-inversion spread triad
Fo Second-inversion spread triad
Fifth String
B♭o First-inversion spread triad
B♭o First-inversion spread triad
B♭o Second-inversion spread triad
Key Tasks
- Practice the diminished chords.
- Visualize each chord as an inversion of all of its chord tones. For instance, Fo is an inversion of A♭o, which is also an inversion of C♭o (also known as Bo.
- Visualize each root position diminished triad as the upper structure of a dominant seventh chord. For instance, D♭7’s upper structure is F, A♭, and C♭—an Fo triad.
As the creator of Hub Guitar, Grey has compiled hundreds of guitar lessons, written several books, and filmed hundreds of video lessons. He teaches private lessons in his Boston studio, as well as via video chat through TakeLessons.