The Diminished Scale
The diminished scale is best used when played over a diminished chord or certain altered dominant chords. This scale consists of eight notes that are altered from the major scale as shown in the following table.
The two most common patterns for the diminished scale are highlighted next. The first pattern has the key notes on the 6th, 4th and 2nd strings. The second pattern has the key notes on the 5th, 3rd and 1st strings. Both diagrams are shown in the key of A. Attention should be given to the suggested left hand fingering. Practice ascending and descending the following patterns until you are comfortable with the fingering and familiar with the unusual sound that is created from this scale.
Now try the following lick, played within the first diminished scale pattern, key of A. It is important to give careful attention to the left hand fingering when using diminished patterns as the left hand fret position often changes between strings.
The next lick is also played within the first diminished pattern, key of A.
The second diminished pattern is used for the next lick.
The following lick combines the Dorian mode, Diminished scale and Blues scale.
