Learn › E Diminished Triad Inversions on Guitar: 12 Shapes
New Released in April 2026
E Diminished Triad Inversions on Guitar: 12 Shapes
Edim triad inversions on guitar: the three notes E, G and Bb on three neighbouring strings, in three positions on each of four string sets. Twelve small shapes that cover the whole neck.
No account, no download. The demo has limited content. Advanced features are in ChordRunner Premium.
- MIDI keyboard
- Digital or acoustic piano
- Guitar
- Computer, phone or tablet
Twelve Edim shapes, string set by string set
Play only the three strings shown. Inside each set the three shapes follow each other up the neck: when one ends, the next begins.
G-B-e strings
2nd inversion
Root position
1st inversion
D-G-B strings
1st inversion
2nd inversion
Root position
A-D-G strings
2nd inversion
Root position
1st inversion
E-A-D strings
1st inversion
2nd inversion
Root position
What an inversion changes
An inversion just reorders E, G and Bb. Bottom note E: root position. Bottom note G: 1st inversion. Bottom note Bb: 2nd inversion.
Tense and unstable: it wants to move to the next chord.
Fret chart for Edim triads
| String set | Root position | 1st inversion | 2nd inversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-B-e strings | x x x 9 8 6 | x x x 12 11 12 | x x x 3 5 3 |
| D-G-B strings | x x 14 12 11 x | x x 5 3 5 x | x x 8 9 8 x |
| A-D-G strings | x 7 5 3 x x | x 10 8 9 x x | x 1 2 0 x x |
| E-A-D strings | 12 10 8 x x x | 3 1 2 x x x | 6 7 5 x x x |
Frets from the low E string to the high E string; x = string not played.
A short Edim triad routine
- Learn the three shapes on the top strings first, slowly, saying the bottom note each time.
- Climb the neck through the three shapes and come back down without stopping.
- Stay near fret 9 and find Edim on two different string sets.
- Last, switch between Edim and another triad in the same area of the neck.
Small daily sessions work best: shapes stick by repetition.
Connecting the inversions
Walk up the G-B-e strings through 2nd inversion (fret 5) → root position (fret 9) → 1st inversion (fret 12), then back down. The top notes G, Bb, E change while the chord stays Edim.
Around fret 9, without moving the hand: G-B-e strings 9-8-6; D-G-B strings 8-9-8; A-D-G strings 10-8-9; E-A-D strings 6-7-5.
Play Edim in a game
ChordRunner listens to your guitar through the microphone: a chord name appears, you play it in any shape, and the game hears if the notes are right. A MIDI keyboard works too.
Play the demoCommon questions
How do you play Edim triads on the top strings?
On the G, B and high E strings: 2nd inversion 3-5-3; Root position 9-8-6; 1st inversion 12-11-12. Play only those three strings.
Which Edim triad shape is the easiest?
Usually the lowest one on the top strings, 3-5-3, because it sits near the nut.
What does a Edim triad sound like?
Tense and unstable: it wants to move to the next chord.
Can I practise Edim with a game that listens to my guitar?
Yes. ChordRunner hears your guitar through the microphone and checks the chord in any shape or inversion. A USB MIDI keyboard works too.
Your instrument is the controller.
ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
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