Music Fundamentals A Balanced Approach

Diminished Triad

The diminishedtriad consists of two ascending consecutive minor thirds from the root. This creates a diminished
fifth between the root and the fifth, hence the name “diminished” which means to “make smaller.”

When labeling the quality of a diminished triad, frequently the “degree” sign °is used. It is preferable either to
label a diminished triad using the “°”or to write “dim” to avoid any confusion with the letter “D.”

Constructing Diminished Triads

There are two methods for constructing a diminished triad.

Method 1: Use the intervals of a diminished triad

• Adiminished triad consists of a minor third (m3) and a diminished fifth (d5) above the root. A minor third
  (m3) occurs between the upper two notes.

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TRIADS

Workbook Exercises 11.1–11.3

G diminished triad

(Gº)

m3

Minor third (m3) Minor third (m3)

B D

G

B

m3 d5

m3 m3 d5 Dº triad