A# Half-whole Diminished Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Half Step Down tuning — fretboard diagram
A# Half-whole Diminished in Half Step Down — Notes and Intervals
The A# Half-whole Diminished scale is a symmetrical scale that is an essential tool for jazz players. On Guitar, the notes are A#, B, C#, D, E, F, G, G#. 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: A#, B, C#, D, E, F, G, G#
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: Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
Also known as: dominant diminished, messiaen's mode #2
About Half Step Down Tuning
Eb Standard tuning lowers every string by one half step (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb), producing a slightly darker, heavier tone while keeping all standard chord shapes and scale patterns intact. This tuning has been the default for some of the greatest guitarists in rock and blues history, including Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Slash.
The half-step drop reduces string tension, making bending easier and giving a warmer, slightly thicker tone. For vocalists, the lower pitch can make singing more comfortable. Jimi Hendrix tuned to Eb on virtually all of his recordings — from 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)' to 'Little Wing'. Stevie Ray Vaughan paired Eb tuning with very heavy strings to create his legendary thick tone on classics like 'Pride and Joy' and 'Texas Flood'. Slash used Eb for most Guns N' Roses recordings including 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and 'November Rain'. Alice in Chains also recorded extensively in Eb Standard.
Notable artists: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Slash (Guns N' Roses), Alice in Chains, Nirvana
Best for: Blues-rock, classic rock, and any style where you want easier bending, slightly darker tone, and full compatibility with standard tuning shapes
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
- A# Half-whole Diminished in Standard Tuning
- A# Half-whole Diminished in Drop D
- A# Half-whole Diminished in DADGAD
- A# Half-whole Diminished in Open G
- A# Half-whole Diminished in Baritone (B Standard)
- A# Half-whole Diminished in 7-string
- A# Half-whole Diminished in 8-string
- A# Half-whole Diminished in Drop C
- A# Half-whole Diminished in Drop B
- A# Half-whole Diminished in Open D
- A# Half-whole Diminished in Open E
- A# Half-whole Diminished in Open A
- A# Half-whole Diminished in Double Drop D
- A# Half-whole Diminished in Open C