DIMINISHED

DIMINISHED SCALE

The Diminished scale is a symmetrical, 8-note scale built from repeating patterns of whole steps and half steps. Because of its balanced structure, it creates a tense, unstable, and dramatic sound that works especially well over dominant or diminished chords.

On the diagrams, you can see the two common forms of the scale:

Whole–Half Diminished (starting with a whole step)

Half–Whole Diminished (starting with a half step)

Each version has its own musical use, but both share the same symmetrical feel.

The diagrams are presented in clear, repeating shapes across the fretboard.
You can refinger or adjust these shapes freely—as long as you keep the same repeating pattern (whole–half or half–whole), the scale retains its distinctive diminished sound.