The Diminished Scale

Another scale I absolutely love, that can really make you stand out as a guitarist. There are several ways in which to play an A Diminished scale, but as always we’ll go with the 5th fret position of A used in my other lessons (2 Octaves):

Ascending

Descending

The Box

The Theory

The Diminished scale above is constructed by alternating half and whole tones, sometimes called the HW Diminished. You can also construct diminished scales by alternating whole and half tones. This structure means that there are only 3 different diminished scales available to us, and all the others are modes of these (i.e. the notes are the same, but the intervallic structure and root note change). 

For instance, a G diminished arpeggio contains the notes G, Bb, Db, E – all a minor third apart. This structure means that a G diminished arpeggio has the same notes as a Bb, Db or E diminished arpeggio. Diminished runs are often used over dominant chords, or built on the 7th degree of the key being played. Fusion players typically combine diminished and Dorian modal runs to get a jazz/rock sound.

Some Example Licks

1) Descending Sweeps:

2) Economy Picking:

3) Linear Arpeggios:

Hammer ons: h.
Pull offs: p.
Vibrato: ~.
Bends: b.
Release bend: br.
Tap: t.
Slides: / or \ depending on direction.

You can download a PDF of the licks here.

The Extra Flash

Once you’ve grasped the material above, try transposing it in to different keys – move the examples above up the neck three frets and you’re in C Diminished, down 2 frets – G Diminsihed, and so on. 

You’ll find some backing tracks to noodle over on my YouTube channel HERE.

And that’s the Diminished scale for you. You can find more articles on scales and guitar technique to help you develop as a player here. If you’ve got any questions please get in touch on Facebook or Twitter.