How to Play Diminished 5th Triads in Jazz Guitar

In jazz music the diminished triad is used frequently, especially in the major keys. A triad is a chord created with three notes. To create the diminished 5th triad, the guitarist must be familiar with scales and how to create triads or chords.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand how a triad is made. A triad is created using every other note in a scale. For example, the C major scale is C-D-E-F-G-A-B. The triads of the C major scale start as C-E-G, D-F-A, E-G-B, F-A-C and so on

2. Find the 5th chord of the scale. In the C major scale the 5th chord or triad is the G major cord, G-B-D.

3. Flatten the third and fifth notes in the triad. For example, with a G major triad you play G, B flat, and D flat. The two consecutive flat notes diminish the triad.

4. Practice the pattern and formula with all of the scales to become familiar with all the diminished 5th triads.

Tips & Warnings

• Diminished 7th triads or chords are created the same way only using the 7th chord in the scale and making the 3rd and 5th flat. In C major, the 7th chord is B diminished, so it's B-D-F with the D and F flat.

Resources

• Find copies of all the musical scales.