A Half-whole Diminished Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram
A Half-whole Diminished in Open G — 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 G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
Also known as: dominant diminished, messiaen's mode #2
About Open G Tuning
Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) produces a G major chord when strummed open, making it the definitive tuning for slide guitar and delta blues. The tuning's natural consonance means that barring across any fret gives you a major chord, which is why it's been the backbone of blues and roots music for over a century.
From Robert Johnson to Keith Richards, Open G has shaped some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string entirely in this tuning, creating his signature five-string sound on songs like 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'. For slide players, Open G is essential — it allows clean, singing slide lines across all strings with minimal effort.
Notable artists: Keith Richards, Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes
Best for: Slide guitar, delta blues, Keith Richards-style rock riffs, and open-string fingerpicking
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 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