5 Simple Ways to Play A Dim Guitar Chord: A Comprehensive Guide

Daisie Team -

Contents

1. Using the A-Shape

2. Using the E-Shape

3. Using the D-Shape

4. Using the C-Shape

5. Using the G-Shape

Learning to play a dim guitar chord can open up a whole new world of musical possibilities. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore five simple ways to play an A dim guitar chord using different shapes. Get ready to expand your guitar skills and add some intriguing tonal colors to your playing!

1. Using the A-Shape

The A-shape is a great starting point for learning the A dim guitar chord. This shape is based on the open A chord and can be easily modified to create a diminished sound. Let's dive into the fingering and variations of this A-shape diminished chord.

Fingering for A-Shape Dim Chord

Here's a simple way to play the A dim guitar chord using the A-shape:

  1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 4th (D) string.
  2. Put your middle finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd (B) string.
  3. Position your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  4. Finally, place your pinky on the 2nd fret of the 1st (high E) string.

Strum from the 5th (A) string, avoiding the 6th (low E) string. This fingering gives you an A dim guitar chord with a root, minor third, and diminished fifth—essential ingredients for a diminished sound.

Variation in A-Shape Dim Chord

If you want to try a different take on the A-shape, here's a variation:

  1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 4th (D) string.
  2. Put your middle finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd (B) string.
  3. Position your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.

In this variation, you'll omit the high E string. This version of the A dim guitar chord focuses on the core diminished sound, providing a simpler option for those who find the four-finger version challenging.

2. Using the E-Shape

Another approach to playing an A dim guitar chord is using the E-shape. This shape is based on the open E chord and can be easily moved up the neck to create an A diminished sound. Let's explore the fingering and variations of this E-shape diminished chord.

Fingering for E-Shape Dim Chord

Here's a simple way to play the A dim guitar chord using the E-shape:

  1. Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the 6th (low E) string to find the A root note.
  2. Put your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  3. Position your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
  4. Finally, place your pinky on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum all six strings, making sure to mute the 5th (A) and 1st (high E) strings with the underside of your index finger. This fingering gives you an A dim guitar chord with a root, minor third, and diminished fifth.

Variation in E-Shape Dim Chord

If you want to experiment with a different E-shape, here's a variation:

  1. Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the 6th (low E) string for the A root note.
  2. Put your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  3. Position your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd (B) string.

In this variation, you'll omit the 3rd (G) and 1st (high E) strings. This version of the A dim guitar chord still provides the essential diminished sound but with a more focused, three-string approach, making it easier for beginners or those looking for a simpler alternative.

3. Using the D-Shape

Moving on to the next method, we'll explore the D-shape to play an A dim guitar chord. This shape is derived from the open D chord, and by simply moving it up the fretboard, you can achieve the A diminished sound. Let's dive into the fingering and variations of this D-shape diminished chord.

Fingering for D-Shape Dim Chord

To play the A dim guitar chord using the D-shape, follow these steps:

  1. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  2. Put your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 5th (A) string.
  3. Position your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  4. Lastly, place your pinky on the 5th fret of the 2nd (B) string.

Strum from the 5th (A) to the 2nd (B) strings, muting the 6th (low E) and 1st (high E) strings. This fingering will give you an A dim guitar chord with the diminished fifth, root, and minor third intervals.

Variation in D-Shape Dim Chord

If you prefer a more accessible version of the D-shape, try this variation:

  1. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  2. Put your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 5th (A) string.
  3. Position your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum from the 5th (A) to the 3rd (G) strings, still muting the 6th (low E) and 1st (high E) strings. This three-string version of the A dim guitar chord retains the essential diminished character while being easier to play, especially for beginners or those with smaller hands.

4. Using the C-Shape

Another option for playing an A dim guitar chord is by using the C-shape. This shape is based on the open C major chord, and by making a few modifications, you can turn it into a diminished chord. Let's explore the fingering and variations of this C-shape diminished chord.

Fingering for C-Shape Dim Chord

Here's how to play the A dim guitar chord using the C-shape:

  1. Place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
  2. Put your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 6th (low E) string.
  3. Position your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  4. Lastly, place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum from the 6th (low E) to the 3rd (G) strings, muting the 1st (high E) and 2nd (B) strings. This fingering will give you an A dim guitar chord with the root, minor third, and diminished fifth intervals.

Variation in C-Shape Dim Chord

If you're looking for a simplified version of the C-shape A dim guitar chord, try this variation:

  1. Place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
  2. Put your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  3. Position your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum from the 5th (A) to the 3rd (G) strings, still muting the 1st (high E) and 2nd (B) strings. This three-string version of the A dim guitar chord maintains the essential diminished sound while being easier to play, which is great for beginners or those who want a quicker chord change.

5. Using the G-Shape

Lastly, let's explore the G-shape for playing an A dim guitar chord. This shape is derived from the open G major chord, and with a few adjustments, you can achieve a diminished sound. We'll go through the fingering and variations of this G-shape diminished chord to give you another option to play the A dim guitar chord.

Fingering for G-Shape Dim Chord

Here's how to play the A dim guitar chord using the G-shape:

  1. Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the 6th (low E) string.
  2. Put your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  3. Position your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
  4. Lastly, place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum from the 6th (low E) to the 3rd (G) strings, muting the 1st (high E) and 2nd (B) strings. This fingering results in an A dim guitar chord with the root, minor third, and diminished fifth intervals.

Variation in G-Shape Dim Chord

If you'd like to simplify the G-shape A dim guitar chord, here's an easier variation:

  1. Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the 6th (low E) string.
  2. Put your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
  3. Position your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum from the 6th (low E) to the 3rd (G) strings, still muting the 1st (high E) and 2nd (B) strings. This three-string version of the A dim guitar chord keeps the core diminished sound while being more accessible for beginners or those seeking a faster chord transition.

Now you have five simple ways to play an A dim guitar chord using various shapes. Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep experimenting with these shapes and variations, and you'll soon find the best fit for your playing style and musical preferences. Happy strumming!

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