C Diminished Triads on Guitar — Shapes & Inversions

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The C Diminished triad is C–Eb–Gb — R–b3–b5. Below you'll find all 9 close-voiced shapes within the first 12 frets: every inversion on every string set, color-coded and verified by the engine that powers our trainer.

C
R
root
Eb
b3
minor third
Gb
b5
diminished fifth
Root position (R in bass)1st inversion (3rd in bass)2nd inversion (5th in bass)

C Diminished triads — all positions

Strings 1·2·3 (e · B · G)

3 5 7 9 12 15 b5 b3 R R b5 b3

Strings 2·3·4 (B · G · D)

3 5 7 9 12 15 b3 R b5 b5 b3 R

Strings 3·4·5 (G · D · A)

3 5 7 9 12 15 R b5 b3 b3 R b5

Strings 4·5·6 (D · A · E)

3 5 7 9 12 15 b3 R b5 b5 b3 R R b5 b3

Where Each Inversion Sits

Strings 1·2·3root position — fret 21st inversion — fret 7
Strings 2·3·42nd inversion — fret 4root position — fret 7
Strings 3·4·51st inversion — fret 42nd inversion — fret 8
Strings 4·5·62nd inversion — fret 1root position — fret 41st inversion — fret 9
Download PDF — C chart (all qualities)Open the full triads chart

How to Practice C Diminished Triads

Play the shapes on one string set from the nut up: root position at fret 2 first, then the next inversion, then the next — say the inversion out loud as you land on it. Then lock one fret region and switch between string sets instead. When the shapes come without thinking, test yourself in the trainer: it will flash C Diminished voicings for you to name, or name them for you to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C Diminished triad?

C (root), Eb (minor third), Gb (diminished fifth).

How many C Diminished triad shapes are there on guitar?

Within the first 12 frets there are 9 close-voiced shapes: root position, 1st and 2nd inversions spread across the four three-string sets. Above the 12th fret the same shapes repeat an octave higher.

What is an easy C Diminished triad shape to start with?

Start on strings 1·2·3 with the lowest shape on the neck (root position at fret 2) — three notes, no barre, and the same grip moves to every other key.

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