A Half-whole Diminished Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open E tuning — fretboard diagram
A Half-whole Diminished in Open E — 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 E (E-B-E-G#-B-E)
Also known as: dominant diminished, messiaen's mode #2
About Open E Tuning
Open E tuning (E-B-E-G#-B-E) produces a bright, full E major chord when strummed open. Structurally identical to Open D but tuned a whole step higher, Open E delivers a snappier, more cutting tone that has defined the sound of electric slide guitar in blues-rock and Southern rock.
Duane Allman used Open E on the Allman Brothers Band's legendary 'Statesboro Blues' and 'At Fillmore East' recordings, establishing it as the definitive electric slide tuning. Derek Trucks carries on this tradition as one of the greatest living slide guitarists. The Black Crowes used Open E for 'She Talks to Angels'. Because three strings are tuned UP from standard (the 3rd, 4th, and 5th), Open E puts more tension on the neck than Open D — this is why many acoustic players prefer Open D, while electric players favor Open E for its brighter bite.
Notable artists: Duane Allman, Derek Trucks, The Black Crowes, Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Best for: Electric slide guitar, Southern rock, blues-rock, and any style that needs bright, singing slide tone with the tonal center of E
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 A
- A Half-whole Diminished in Double Drop D
- A Half-whole Diminished in Open C