Diminished Scale © Jim Conquer 2003

www.theguitarschool.biz

The Diminished Scale is constructed using alternating full tones and half
tones. Note: all scales covered so far contain whole tones and half tones to
make up their individual format. The diminished scale is a symmetric scale,
which means, there is only a couple of physical scale shapes, which can be
moved up and down the fingerboard to produce all diminished scales.

Notes and their positions on the fingerboard

String Numbers 1=E / 2=B / 3=G / 4=D / 5=A / 6=E

1
2 F G A B C D E
3 C D E F G A B
A B C D E F G
4 E F G A B C D
5 B C D E F G A
6 F G A B C D E

String Numbers 1=E / 2=B / 3=G / 4=D / 5=A / 6=E

1
2 C# D E F
3 G Ab Bb B
C# D E F
4 G Ab Bb B
5 C# D E F
6 G Ab Bb B

Above is one available pattern for the Diminished scale. Diminished scales
can be used to play over Dominant 7th Chords (G7 or A7 etc). If the scale
above is played over a G7 chord exactly as it is, you will find that the notes
contained in the scale form the following intervals of the chord:-

G = Root E = 13th
Ab = b9th F = Minor 7th
Bb = #9th
B = Major 3rd
C# = #11 or b5 (enharmonic - same written differently)
D = 5th
As you can see from the list of intervals above, this scale provides many
altered notes over a basic Dominant 7th Chord sound.

For audio examples of the uses of diminished over 7th chords check out
some Django Reinhardt CD's or some of the many Gypsy Jazz Musicians
who are out there...

I now have only a few scales to cover to complete this section. When all
scale choices are listed, I will supply chord charts of songs with the various
scale choices over the chords for you to try compiling some solos. Above all,
enjoy what you can play, be patient with what you strive to play...

All the best …