B Half-whole Diminished Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in 7-string tuning — fretboard diagram
B Half-whole Diminished in 7-string — Notes and Intervals
The B Half-whole Diminished scale is a symmetrical scale that is an essential tool for jazz players. On Guitar, the notes are B, C, D, D#, F, F#, G#, A. It provides a sophisticated dissonant crunch when played over dominant seventh chords, allowing for complex, high-tension solos that still feel structured. Commonly used in Jazz, Bebop, Fusion, Film Scores. Notable players include Charlie Parker, Joe Pass, Pat Martino, George Benson. Use over dominant 7th chords (7, 7b9, 13b9). The jazz standard for creating structured tension over dominant harmony. Works over 4 roots spaced a minor 3rd apart.
Notes: B, C, D, D#, F, F#, G#, A
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 #5 6 7 b8
Formula: H-W-H-W-H-W-H-W
Number of notes: 8
Tuning: 7-string (B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
Also known as: dominant diminished, messiaen's mode #2
About 7-string Tuning
The 7-string guitar adds a low B string below the standard 6-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), extending the instrument's range into bass territory. This extra low end has become essential in progressive metal, djent, and modern heavy music, enabling crushing low-end riffs while maintaining access to standard guitar voicings on the upper strings.
Pioneered by jazz guitarist George Van Eps and later brought into the metal mainstream by Steve Vai and Korn, the 7-string guitar has become a staple of modern heavy music. Players like Tosin Abasi, Misha Mansoor, and John Petrucci have pushed the instrument's capabilities into new territory, using the extended range for complex harmonic progressions, polyrhythmic riffs, and sweeping arpeggios that span an enormous tonal range.
Notable artists: Dream Theater, Periphery, Animals as Leaders, Korn, Meshuggah
Best for: Progressive metal riffs, extended-range chord voicings, djent rhythms, and jazz fusion harmony
Musical Character
The inverse of the whole-half diminished — starts with a half step. This version is the standard jazz choice over dominant 7th chords, providing a sophisticated 'crunch' that resolves beautifully.
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- I – ♯I°7 – ii – V (Diminished Cliché)Jazz / Soul — Nostalgic & Vintage
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- B Half-whole Diminished in Standard Tuning
- B Half-whole Diminished in Drop D
- B Half-whole Diminished in DADGAD
- B Half-whole Diminished in Open G
- B Half-whole Diminished in Baritone (B Standard)
- B Half-whole Diminished in 8-string
- B Half-whole Diminished in Drop C
- B Half-whole Diminished in Drop B
- B Half-whole Diminished in Open D