A diminished chord is a chord that is made up of a root, minor third, and

diminished fifth. The diminished fifth is a musical interval that is one-half step
(or semitone) smaller than a minor fifth. This interval is also known as a
"tritone" because it spans three whole tones (or six semitones).

For example, a C diminished chord is made up of the notes C, Eb, and Gb.

Diminished chords have a unique, dissonant sound that can be used to create tension
in music. They can be used in a variety of ways, such as a passing chord, or as a
chord substitute for dominant seventh chords. They can also be used to create a
sense of dissonance and tension in a song, which can be resolved by moving to a
different chord.

In chord progressions, diminished chords are often used in place of the V chord to
lead to the I chord in a progression. In functional harmony, diminished chords are
usually use as substitute for dominant seventh chords.