B Diminished
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Diminished Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Diminished scale, also known as the Octatonic scale and Messiaen's Mode of Limited Transposition #2, alternates whole and half steps to create an 8-note symmetrical structure. On Ukulele, its notes are B, C#, D, E, F, G, G#, A#. Only three unique diminished scales exist — after three transpositions, the notes repeat. It is the definitive sound of film noir, thrillers, and psychological horror, used by composers from Stravinsky to Hans Zimmer to evoke dread, ambiguity, and mounting tension. Use it over dim7 chords and as a sophisticated tension device over dominant 7ths. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical, Metal. Notable players include Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass, Bela Bartok, Dream Theater. Use over dim7 chords and as a tension device over dominant 7ths. Each diminished scale works over 4 different root notes (every minor 3rd).
Notes: B, C#, D, E, F, G, G#, A#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6m, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7 8
Formula: W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H
Number of notes: 8
Also known as: whole-half diminished, Messiaen's Mode #2, octatonic
Musical Character
Alternates whole-half steps, creating an 8-note symmetric scale. Only 3 diminished scales exist — after 3 transpositions, you get the same notes. The definitive sound of suspense and film noir.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Film Scores, Classical, Metal
Notable players: Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass, Bela Bartok, Dream Theater
How to Use the B Diminished Scale
Use over dim7 chords and as a tension device over dominant 7ths. Each diminished scale works over 4 different root notes (every minor 3rd).
Origin & Background
The octatonic scale. Used extensively by Stravinsky, Bartok, and Messiaen. Also known as Messiaen's Mode of Limited Transposition #2.
Related Scales
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- I – ♯I°7 – ii – V (Diminished Cliché)Jazz / Soul — Nostalgic & Vintage
The B Diminished scale contains 8 notes (B, C#, D, E, F, G, G#, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.