A diminished scale diatonic chords
A diminished scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
A diminished scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized A diminished scale generates a symmetrical chord family that repeats every three semitones, meaning only three unique sets of diminished chords exist. The chords from A diminished are A diminished, B diminished, C diminished, D diminished, Eb diminished, F diminished, F# diminished, G# diminished. Diminished chords function as dominant substitutions, connecting distant keys through smooth voice leading. The dim7 chord can resolve to eight different keys, making it the most versatile pivot chord in classical and jazz harmony. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical, Metal. Notable players include Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass, Bela Bartok, Dream Theater.
The A diminished scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 6 7.
Intervals: W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H.
Diatonic chords: A diminished, B diminished, C diminished, D diminished, Eb diminished, F diminished, F# diminished, G# diminished.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | A diminished |
| ii | B diminished |
| iii | C diminished |
| IV | D diminished |
| V | Eb diminished |
| vi | F diminished |
| vii° | F# diminished |
| 8 | G# diminished |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (A diminished) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (B diminished) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (C diminished) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (D diminished) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Eb diminished) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (F diminished) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (F# diminished) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the A diminished scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the A diminished scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This 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).