D# Half-whole Diminished Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Half-whole Diminished in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The D# Half-whole Diminished scale is a symmetrical scale that is an essential tool for jazz players. On Guitar, the notes are D#, E, F#, G, A, A#, C, C#. 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: D#, E, F#, G, A, A#, C, C#
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: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
Also known as: dominant diminished, messiaen's mode #2
About DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.
Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.
Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber
Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions
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
- D# Half-whole Diminished in Standard Tuning
- D# Half-whole Diminished in Drop D
- D# Half-whole Diminished in Open G
- D# Half-whole Diminished in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Half-whole Diminished in 7-string
- D# Half-whole Diminished in 8-string
- D# Half-whole Diminished in Drop C
- D# Half-whole Diminished in Drop B
- D# Half-whole Diminished in Open D