A Half-whole Diminished Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
A Half-whole Diminished in Open C — 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, Bb, C, C#, D#, E, F#, 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, Bb, C, C#, D#, E, F#, 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: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Also known as: dominant diminished, messiaen's mode #2
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
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 Half Step Down
- A Half-whole Diminished in Open E
- A Half-whole Diminished in Open A
- A Half-whole Diminished in Double Drop D