Fdim Ukulele Chord
Fdim on ukulele is 4-5-4-x: put your index finger on the 4th fret of the g string, your middle finger on the 4th fret of the E string, your ring finger on the 5th fret of the C string and skip the A string. It is a three-finger shape, a little fiddly at first but it settles fast.
- Notes: F, Ab and B
- Frets: 4 5 4 x
- Tuning: g C E A
Fdim ukulele chord details
- Type
- Diminished triad
- Also known as
- F diminished
- Formula
- 1 b3 b5
- Intervals
- F (root), Ab (minor 3rd), B (diminished 5th)
- Notes
- F, Ab and B
- Frets
- 4 5 4 x
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the Fdim chord
Here is the Fdim chord step by step:
- Put your index finger on the 4th fret of the g string.
- Put your ring finger on the 5th fret of the C string.
- Put your middle finger on the 4th fret of the E string.
- Do not play the A string.
- Strum the strings you are fretting.
It is a bit of a stretch, so go slow and let your hand learn the shape. These quick tips for tricky chords help. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
Is there an easier way to play Fdim?
Not really. 4-5-4-x is already the simplest playable shape for Fdim on a ukulele; every alternative either needs more fingers or sits higher up the neck. If it still feels awkward, the tips above are the fix.
What notes are in the Fdim chord?
The Fdim chord is built from three notes: F, Ab and B (the root, minor 3rd and diminished 5th). Diminished chords are tense and dark, usually used as a quick passing chord between two others rather than on their own.
Ukulele songs that use the Fdim chord
The Fdim chord belongs to G♭ Major (the vii°) and E♭ Minor (the ii°). Each key page shows the rest of that family, the progressions that use it and songs to play.
Want to go further?
Once Fdim feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try F7, Fmaj7, Fm and F. Diminished chords work as passing chords, so you will usually slide Fdim between two others rather than rest on it. When that feels good, work on switching between chords faster. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.