STRINGSCALES

C diminished Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

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F
G♭
A♭
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
G♭
A♭
A
B
C
D
E♭
B3
C
D
E♭
F
G♭
A♭
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
G♭
A♭
A
B
A♭
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
G♭
A♭
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
G♭
D3
E♭
F
G♭
A♭
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
G♭
A♭
A
B
C
D
A2
B
C
D
E♭
F
G♭
A♭
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
G♭
A♭
A
F
G♭
A♭
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
G♭
A♭
A
B
C
D
E♭
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
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C diminished

The Diminished scale is an eight-note scale consisting of alternating whole and half steps, creating a symmetrical and tense sound that's widely used in jazz and classical music.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

C

I

D

II

E♭

bIII

F

IV

G♭

bV

A♭

bVI

A

VI

B

VII

Notation

Tab

tip
  • The diminished scale is symmetrical, alternating between half and whole steps. This makes it perfect for creating tension over dominant chords, especially in jazz and classical music.
  • Use the diminished scale over a V7 chord to create tension that resolves strongly back to the tonic (I). The diminished scale's structure makes it ideal for this purpose.
  • Practice diminished arpeggios, focusing on the minor 3rd (bIII) and diminished 5th (bV), to add intensity and complexity to your improvisations.
  • Experiment with chromatic runs using the diminished scale to create angular and dissonant lines that stand out in a solo.
  • Incorporate diminished passing chords between diatonic chords to add a dark, unpredictable sound to your chord progressions.

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C diminished Scale — guitarscales