Strictly Diminished

[Dan_Bostrom]

Hi fellows!

The diminished scale is somewhat underestimated. Musicians tend to use only a few notes from it. But I think the diminished scale has a beautiful sound all the way through.

Normally we use the diminished scale to diminished chords (thats the whole-half dim. scale), but you can also use the half-whole dim. scale as a substitute for mixolydian scale, super locrian (altered) scale.

The formula for half-whole dim.scale is: 1-b2-b3-3-#4-5-6-b7
Ergo, you can use it for dominant 7 chords and altered chords (though not #5 chords).
So, in my example, we use it for E7, E7b9 and E7#9.

Look at the attached picture, and see all sorts of patterns come to life!

The backing goes like this:
| E7 | E7b9 | E7#9 |E7b9 |

Try to explore the diminished scale fully, with this backing track.
My contribution is called "Diminished World".
Let me hear your take on it!

All the best,
Dan Bostrom.


Later Edit:
Please check out the thread "Practicing (and using?) diminished scales"
http://www.ibreathemusic.com/forums/...ead.php?t=9315
where we get tons of info on using the dim. scale.