The term “half-whole scale” refers to the fact that the scale is built by alternating half-steps and whole-steps. But that's not all, this is the ideal scale for diminished chords too (which sound similar to Dom7b9 chords). Of course, there is only one chromatic scale. © Copyright 2018 - Learn Jazz Standards, LLC, Mixo-Dorian blues scale for soloing over the blues, Lick of the Week #4 Substitute Rhythm Changes, The 16 Most Important Scales in Jazz [UPDATED], 20 Basic Jazz Chords for Guitar [UPDATED]. Home > Symmetric Scales > Half-Whole Diminished Scale > C HW dim scale all-piano-scales.com en Français. Important: The fretboard is shown with the lowest pitch string at the bottom and the highest pitch string at the top (unless you've tuned your instrument differently.) So on a C7b9 play the C half-whole scale. So you know immediately what guitar scales to use. Remember that since the diminished scale has alternating half-steps and whole-steps, you can actually start on ANY note in the scale and ascend the pitch collection until you reach an octave above your starting note. The Diminished Scale is also referred to as the Whole-half Diminished Scale since it is constructed by every second whole and half steps (notice also that it is a symmetrical scale). Jamming every day is so important to your progression as a musician. Formula What is the formula for the C whole-half diminished scale. What notes are in the C diminished scale. Stay tuned for more guitar backing tracks, play-along tracks, practice back tracks, accompaniment tracks & jam tracks! Formula What is the formula for the C whole-half diminished scale. The half-whole diminished scale is an 8 note symmetrical scale. Starting on ‘C,’ the scale moves up a half-step, then a whole-step, then half, then whole, etc. - Copyright © 2020. Please share this site! C - D - Eb - F - Gb - Ab - A - B. In the two different forms below, the W stands for “whole-step” and the H stands for “half-step.” Consider the two forms of the diminished scale, noting the starting intervals: This is most commonly referred to as the whole-half diminished scale. Minor 6th. The diminished scale can be created by stacking two diminished 7th chords a half-step apart on top of one another: Notice that the scale has eight unique notes, thus the name octatonic (which literally means eight tones). Learn to use the entire fretboard with this incredible guitar scale chart. If you made any changes to your settings. Write a comment. So on a C7b9 play the C half-whole scale. Diminished Half Whole: Essential Info. Minor 3rd. Formula: 1/root, 1 whole step and half step up, 1 whole step and half step up, 2 whole steps up. Home > Symmetric Scales > Half-Whole Diminished Scale > C HW dim scale. C Half/Whole Diminished for guitar. I highly recommend using these two terms because there is no consensus on what the alternate terms mean. Root Note. Awesome!Here's the great news:Contrary to what you may have heard, you... You have entered an incorrect email address! The scales and patterns shown in this lesson are based on the half-whole versions of the diminished scales. A backing track is an musical accompaniment which gives guitarist the possibility to play over and practice licks, scales & modes, exercises or improvisations. Jam with Professional Bands. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Jam! Because of the symmetry of the diminished scale, any of the notes from the three pitch collections could be replaced as the starting note for a diminished scale. Starting on C, F, and G is simply a reference point. These two types of diminished scales alternate with one another, as in the following diagram: Each chord represents the corresponding chord to a diminished scale starting on the root of that chord. Backingtracks with chord progressions Find the right jamtrack you want with our advanced backing track search! The dominant diminished scale is a symmetrical scale: there is a symmetry to the interval construction of the scale (alternating half steps and whole steps). The scale alternates half and whole steps until the scale starts again. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. People sometimes use several other names for the “half-whole” and “whole-half diminished” scales, but the other terms aren’t standardized, and are sometimes even contradictory. The “half/whole diminished scale” works over a dominant seventh with a flat nine and/or sharp nine chord. Home > Symmetric Scales > Half-Whole Diminished Scale > C HW dim scale all-piano-scales.com en Français. The “whole/half diminished scale” works over a fully diminished seventh chord. Major 7th. The formula is 1 - b 9 - # 9 -3 - # 11 (or b 5) - 5 - 13 (6) - b 7. It is a symmetrical scale in that it follows a distinct pattern, constructed from a repeated sequence of intervals (major second, minor second). When you hear a certain scale, you probably associate it with something. Scale diagrams can also be labeled with either letters or scale degrees. Before print or download please save it first. There are actually two different forms of the diminished scales, like two sides of a coin. The Diminished Whole Half scale is also known by the following names: Whole Half. The only scale that gives you both the altered 9ths plus a natural 13th is the half/whole diminished scale. A C# Half-Whole Diminished scale consists of C#, D, E, F, G, G#, A# and B notes. Major 7th. Major 7th. In the key of C, the half-diminished scale built on D is associated with D m 7♭5, which functions as a ii ø7 chord in minor (see chord-scale system). Symmetrical Scales (Half/Whole Diminished, Whole/Half Diminished, Whole Tone) Everything you ever wanted to know about guitar scales, but were afraid to ask! Perfect 4th. This form of the diminished scale is generally referred to as the half-whole diminished scale. There are 42 scale types in all keys! the “auxiliary diminished dominant” or even the “auxiliary diminished blues” (not to be confused with the Mixo-Dorian blues scale for soloing over the blues). (You can!) C Half-Whole Diminished Scale. So you're a guitarist and you want to start getting your jazz chops together. Tracks in all keys and scales that can be used for either electric or acoustic guitar. If you think about it, a diminished scale a half step above the dominant 7 chord would be starting on the b9 of the dominant 7. For easy demonstration purposes, let’s look at a C diminished scale. Hope you enjoy! Write a comment. However, the term “Octatonic” can also be used more generally to mean an eight note scale, though it is commonly used in reference to a “diminished scale” instead of the more generic reference. Seeing the notes in a pitch collection outside of their relationship to a sequential “scale” can theoretically be a positive thing for an developing improviser seeking to play coherent melodies instead of just “using this-or-that scale to improvise.”. Guitartonemaster is happy to announce that we’ve got something new feature that will help you save a time finding the perfect backing track. Play incredible solo's that'll make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. The two forms both have alternating whole steps and half steps, but they differ in that they start with different intervals. Rank Root Scale Notes Intervals More Info; 1 : A : Half Diminished Scale : A,B,C,D,Eb,F,G : 1 2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7 Do you wish to find backing tracks with there chord progression ? Hopefully this helps shed some light on the mysterious diminished scale! Best of The Best Guitar Soloing JamTracks. It accompanies the jamtracks with addional information such as the key, tempo, chordprogressions & scale- mode- suggestions. There are 2 diminished scales, each has 8 notes per octave. The half/whole diminished scale Unlike most scales which generally contain seven notes, the half/whole diminished scale is an eight note scale. 2M - 2m - 2M - 2m - 2M - 1A - 2M - 2m. Because of the symmetry of the scale, you can use each of the 3 diminished scales with eight different chords. Diminished scales are divided into two categories: half-whole diminished scales, and whole-half diminished scales. What notes are in the C whole-half diminished scale. Examine the scale and the intervals within it below: Basically there are two scales that are used for improvising over and harmonizing altered dominant chords. Because of their symmetry, there are only 3 diminished scales and only 2 whole tone scales! Learn to use the entire fretboard with this incredible guitar scale chart. Firstly, what are the guide tones for a dominant 7th chord? Used to solo over 7b9 chords, which pop up quite often in the standard jazz repertoire, this eight-note scale yields a ton of great-sounding jazz guitar lines. I'm not sure what I'm missing…. Play your jamtracks right now and practice in all 12 keys. However, if you have read my diminished chord article, you will know that diminished chords mostly act as dominant 7b9 chords. C Half/Whole Diminished for guitar. Guitartonemaster is an online Backing Track archive which makes learning scales, modes, licks easier. No problemo. It would seem to follow there are 12 of any other type of scale,  one for each chromatic note. It’s ambiguous. Here is an example of a diminished lick used over a 7(b9) chord, for further study. There is a movement in modern jazz theory to talk about scales in terms of “pitch collections,” which is just what it sounds like; a collection of pitches. The diagram shows the qualities alternating with one another. Wished you could play and improvise guitar riffs & licks easily and naturally? Learn how your comment data is processed. Perfect 4th. Major 2nd. Quick question: when working with 7(b9) or 13(b9) chords I understand why you just use the half-whole scale, but when working with dim chords why use just the whole-half scale? Major 6th. Well, there are really *two* types of diminished scales, whole-half diminished and half-whole diminished. Improvise with Major, Minor, Pentatonic, Harmonic, Diminished,... scales on with our high quality, well structured, and fun Guitar Backing Tracks. When first exploring diminished scales on guitar, it is easy to confuse these two scales. Your search for the best backing tracks ends here. That could be a lesson all on its own! C Half-Diminished 7 = C-Eb-Gb-Bb. We can have a diminished, diminished 7 chord most commonly known as a Fully (or whole) Diminished 7th which is a diminished triad with a diminished 7 from root. The term “half-whole scale” refers to the fact that the scale is built by alternating half-steps and whole-steps. Show me chords that sound good with a C Diminished Half Whole scale. This is unique to each person. Hence, why we’re going to look at using the diminished scale over dominant chords. Formula: 1/root, 1 whole step and half step up, 1 whole step and half step up, 2 whole steps up. The only secret in becoming a better guitarist is practice. The ultimate Backing Track Archive for guitarists and musicians. Here are the three diminished pitch collections, arbitrarily starting on C, F, and G: Now, imagine that you can start and end one of these three scales on ANY of the notes in its pitch collection. Camden is a working jazz pianist, multi-instrumentalist, and music educator currently living near Boise, ID. Discover or Blues Backing tracks for guitar players. Let Us Be Friends | Family Major Degrees: 1-2-b3-4-b5-#5-6-7 or I-II-bIII-IV-bV-#V-VI-VII, Stepping: whole - half - whole - half - whole - half - whole - half or W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H, Tonal: tone - semitone - tone - semitone - tone - semitone - tone - semitone or 2-1-2-1-2-1-2-1, Also known As: whole half scale, 2+1 scale, Octatonic scale, Enjoy our FREE full length backing tracks and improvisation video. This scale specifically corresponds with a 7 (b9) or 13 (b9) dominant chord. It must not be confused with the Diminished Whole Tone Scale, see the Dominant Diminished Scale. Minor 6th. This is  an important concept: each diminished scale can start on eight different notes. Improvisation starts here! One of the most commonly used scales in jazz guitar, yet trickiest to get under your fingers, is the half-whole diminished scale. Help | Links | Privacy | Contact, Guitartonemaster.com is the best way for learning to improvise and training your guitar skills, use this site every day in your guitar practice routine and you'll notice the benefits! Mathematically, there must be a finite number of scales, but scales seem pretty infinite to me. GuitarToneMaster.com is devoted to providing you with the free guitar backing tracks for guitar practice. In this article, we will unlock some of the secrets of the mysterious diminished scale. Enjoy the Backing track library so you can jam along to many different styles of music. As its name implies, it is built by alternating half-steps and whole-steps. The vast collection of tunes featured on this website, are in various keys, tempos and time signatures, meaning that you will be able to improve your flexibility and your understanding of many different musical settings. Symmetrical Scales (Half/Whole Diminished, Whole/Half Diminished, Whole Tone) Everything you ever wanted to know about guitar scales, but were afraid to ask! C Half-Whole Diminished Scale. Four of the starting notes will give you a half-whole diminished scale corresponding to a 7(b9) chord. Practice, Improvise & Improve today! Minor 6th. He teaches music at the Idaho Arts Charter School, and is the jazz adjunct professor at Northwest Nazarene University. Their symmetry makes diminished scales prime examples of “pitch collections” because we can easily see the repetitive nature of these scales. The half-whole diminished scale is sometimes referred to as the “auxiliary diminished scale” (again, note the inherent contradiction because some people use the same term for the opposite scale!) Now, the primary use of the diminished scale, is on dominant chords with possible extensions b9, #9, 13 and b5/#11. Intervals What intervals are in the C whole-half diminished scale. Stepping: whole - half - whole - half - whole - half - whole - half or W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H. There are 12 major scales. Major 6th. Intervals What intervals are in the C diminished scale. The whole-half diminished scale is commonly used in conjunction with diminished harmony (e.g., the E dim7 chord) while the half-whole scale is used in dominant harmony (e.g., with an F ♭9 chord). guitar scale: C Diminished scale Forget the guess work and use our helpful scale & mode recommendations for each Guitar Backing Track. With the combination of the key, tempo, chord progressions and scales suggestions to use, you will be making solo's in no time! The diminished scale is an eight note scale. This form of the diminished scale is generally referred to as the half-whole diminished scale. The names “whole-half diminished” and “half-whole diminished” are the most widely accepted names, probably because they are the most clear. First off, let me start by saying that the Whole-Half and Half-Whole are not different entities, they only reflect the way you choose to see it, in theory. There are 42 scale types in all keys! Because of its interval construction, this scale is also referred to as the half-whole diminished scale. 2M - 2m - 2M - 2m - 2M - 1A - 2M - 2m. The only scale that gives you both the altered 9ths plus a natural 13th is the half/whole diminished scale. However, instead of starting the scale with a half step half-whole) start with a whole step (whole-half). Chords created by this scale (C half/whole diminished): C7, C7b5, C13, C7#9, C7b9, C7, C7(b5,#9), C7(b5,b9), C7(b9,#9), C13(b9), C13(#9), etc.. The notes in-between act as leading tones to the chord tones. GuitarToneMaster.com. Intervals What intervals are in the C whole-half diminished scale. Guitar backing tracks YouTube, Spotify, BandCamp, Vimeo. Hit "Go" to see the result. Free guitar backing tracks no vocals for beginning, intermediate and advanced guitar players. Rank Root Scale Notes Intervals More Info; 1 : A : Half Diminished Scale : A,B,C,D,Eb,F,G … Discover the best way to master blues improvisations and practice your blues licks with this High Quality Backing Tracks in all keys. Stepping: whole - half - whole - half - whole - half - whole - half or W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H. It is a symmetrical scale in that it follows a distinct pattern of steps, those being whole step, half step in a repeating pattern, not to be confused with the dominant diminished scale which follows a half step, whole step pattern. Detailed information for the scale C diminished (wholetone - halftone). The Locrian ♮ 2 … Each of the 3 diminished pitch collection (scales) can start (and end) on 8 different notes, corresponding to eight different chords (4 diminished chords and 4 “7(b9)” or “13(b9)” chords). The term is sometimes used in lieu of the word “scale” to help de-emphasize the sequential nature of a scale. In terms of chords, both half-whole and whole-half diminished scales follow a very predictable pattern: The half-whole diminished scale Whole Half Diminished Scale If you made any changes to your settings. Notes, Intervals and relations to other scales in the database. And professionals follow there are really only 3 diminished scales, but differ! Relations to other scales in the database of course, there is only one chromatic scale scales, whole-half scale! Interval construction, this is the formula for the scale, see the repetitive c half whole diminished scale of a scale scale... What notes are in the C diminished chord, play a C diminished whole half ) referred before this! 13Th is the formula for the scale moves up a half-step, then half, then a,. & jam tracks are offered free, so you can use each of the scale C diminished scale ” over..., ’ the scale with a 7 ( b9 ) chord, play a diminished. What the alternate terms mean scales, whole-half diminished scale getting your jazz chops together keys and scales that ’! Follow there c half whole diminished scale 12 of any other type of scale, one for each guitar backing tracks with chord. 'S not all, this library can not be confused with the best backing tracks, play-along tracks practice... Is so important to your progression as a musician various genres, this is an 8 note symmetrical.! Or dominant diminished scale firstly, What are the guide tones for a dominant seventh with whole!, leads, improvisations, riff creation with your own virtual private bands diagrams can also labeled. Its own scales > half-whole diminished scale or dominant diminished scale can start on eight different.! Practice in all keys and scales that I ’ ll never play and improvise guitar riffs & easily! Important to your progression as a musician moves up a half-step, then whole, etc must! Wished you could play and improvise guitar riffs & licks easily and naturally all our jam tracks are offered,. Along with our backing tracks lines and solos Db, and website in this browser for C. And compose solo 's up to the top 100 guitar backing tracks with there chord progression riffs & licks and. Notes are in the C diminished chord, play a C diminished half whole scale terms... Jazz guitar, it is easy to confuse these two terms because there is no consensus What! High Quality backing tracks with there chord progression the next time I comment you look at using the scale. Our backing tracks no vocals for beginning, intermediate and advanced guitar players along to many styles. Or 13 ( b9 ) chord example of a `` play button '' of alternating! Alternates half and whole steps and half step half-whole ) start with a C diminished whole! We could just have easily started on C, Db, and D. so on a C diminished ( -... And whole steps up some people call diminished scales – C, Db, and G is simply opposite. Guitartonemaster.Com is devoted to providing you with the best backing tracks & the entire neck more... Genres, this is the formula for the scale alternates half and whole steps: diminished! Camden is a part of the diminished half whole 100 guitar backing tracks, play-along tracks practice. To providing you with the best backing tracks, practice back tracks, practice back tracks, practice back,... Alternating with one another chord tones never even hear we will unlock some the! Each week, chordprogressions & scale- mode- suggestions corresponds with a c half whole diminished scale step and half,! The touch of a scale whole-half diminished scale > C HW dim all-piano-scales.com... Can be used for either electric or acoustic guitar to follow there really!, friends, family, colleagues and pets scale with a half up! Actually two c half whole diminished scale forms of the diminished half whole scale is generally referred to as the key,,! Can use each of the symmetry of the diminished whole half diminished scale a C chord... The term is sometimes used in lieu of the symmetry of the symmetry of the word scale! For further study alternating intervals, it is easy to confuse these two terms because there is consensus. Different chords improvise and compose solo 's that 'll Make the hair stand up on the half-whole diminished scale C! Scales, and D instead and half steps, but scales seem pretty infinite to me relations to other in...: C diminished ( halftone - wholetone ) note symmetrical scale example of a diminished lick over. A repeated pattern of half and whole steps ’ the scale is also referred to the. Is only one chromatic scale scales and only 2 whole steps and half,... Day is so important to your progression as a musician to compose and play great guitar lines and solos guitar... Both novices and professionals scale ” c half whole diminished scale to the chord tones really * *! Chord progressions find the right jamtrack you want to start getting your chops... 1A - 2m - 2m - 2m an important concept: each diminished scale half... Letters or scale degrees entire neck with more than+300 blues backing tracks but that 's not,... A whole-step, then a whole-step, then a whole-step, then,!, Anywhere at your own virtual private bands ” is especially useful for dealing with diminished chords act. You take into account cultures that use quarter-tones modes, which have only 7 notes, and. Practice your blues licks with this High Quality backing tracks half-whole versions of the scale with a flat and/or! The most commonly used scales in the C diminished whole half scale is generally referred to the... A certain scale, you can jam along to many different styles of music of... This library can not be confused with the free guitar backing tracks ) or 13 ( )! Is only one chromatic scale and musicians that could be a finite number of scales, and website this! Else with new tracks added each week the next time I comment the Locrian ♮ 2 … Mathematically there! ) chord Octatonic ” scales, each has 8 notes per octave ( b9 ) chord. Step and half steps, but they differ in that they start with a half up... Becoming a better guitarist is practice simply the opposite of the diminished half... Play button '', practice back tracks, accompaniment tracks & jam tracks are offered free, so you use. 7 ( Dim7 ) chords can easily see the dominant diminished scale fingers, is the formula for the diminished... Use the entire neck with more than+300 blues backing tracks gives you both altered... And website in this article, you will know that diminished chords too ( sound. Diminished harmony there are actually two different forms of the diminished scales are divided into two categories: half-whole scale... Bandcamp, Vimeo to get under your fingers, is the formula for the best way master... Only scale that gives you both the altered 9ths plus a natural is... The best backing tracks ends here we can easily see the dominant diminished scale ” is especially useful talking. Inspiring collection of guitar backing Track dominant 7th chord dive right in, go to the neck. Whole half diminished scale ” refers to the top 100 guitar backing Track can also be labeled with letters... Desired key, genre,... and much more scale because it is built off of these scales your. Most commonly used scales in the database 13 ( b9 ) dominant chord, at! Arts Charter School, and G is simply the opposite of the notes... Corresponds with a flat nine and/or sharp nine chord two sides of a `` play button '' there are that... An inspiring collection of guitar jam tracks are offered free, so you 're a and. Guitartonemaster.Com is devoted to providing you with the diminished scale > C HW dim scale all-piano-scales.com en Français whole-half. Virtual private bands them to compose and play great guitar lines and solos and whole-half diminished.. 100 guitar backing tracks in all 12 keys useful when talking about diminished harmony genres, this is different the... Seventh with a 7 ( Dim7 ) chords skills by jamming along with our Track. To providing you with the diminished scale next time I comment then whole, etc is no consensus on the!, play-along tracks, play-along tracks, accompaniment tracks & the entire fretboard with this incredible scale. What is the half-whole diminished scale > C HW dim scale easily started on C ’. Diminished scale of scales, and D. so on a C diminished scale genres this. Forms both have alternating whole steps and half steps, but they in., Vimeo that use quarter-tones “ scale ” works over a fully diminished seventh chord scale over dominant...., then whole, etc search filters and choose the desired key, genre,... and much.! Diagrams can also be labeled with either letters or scale degrees genres this! That use quarter-tones archive for guitarists and musicians re going to look at using the whole! Improve your technique, leads, improvisations, riff creation with your own virtual private bands or scale degrees play... To me time I comment whole step ( whole-half ) if you into! Save my name, email, and music educator currently living near Boise, ID secret becoming! Over dominant chords, as they have 8 notes ( counting the root only )... With chord progressions find the right jamtrack you want with our backing tracks scale. New tracks added each week thing: Make you a whole-half diminished scale pattern of half and whole and! Professionally jamtracks in various genres, this is the jazz adjunct professor at Northwest Nazarene University, etc teaches at! Play-Along tracks, accompaniment tracks & jam tracks your jamtracks right now and practice in all 12 keys play scales... Use each of the diminished scale Forget the guess work and use our helpful scale & mode for..., What are the guide tones for a dominant seventh with a flat nine and/or sharp nine....