C half-whole diminished chords
All guitar chords for the C half-whole diminished scale
Show scale diagram ↓C half-whole diminished scale diatonic chords
C half-whole diminished scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
C half-whole diminished scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the C half-whole diminished scale produces a chord family rich in dominant tension, designed to create sophisticated dissonance over dominant seventh chords. The chords of C half-whole diminished are C diminished, Db diminished, Eb diminished, E diminished, F# diminished, G diminished, A diminished, Bb diminished. These chords provide the harmonic vocabulary for jazz comping over static dominant passages. The symmetrical structure means patterns learned in one key transfer to three other keys automatically. Commonly used in Jazz, Bebop, Fusion, Film Scores. Notable players include Charlie Parker, Joe Pass, Pat Martino, George Benson.
The C half-whole diminished scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 ♭3 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7.
Intervals: H-W-H-W-H-W-H-W.
Diatonic chords: C diminished, Db diminished, Eb diminished, E diminished, F# diminished, G diminished, A diminished, Bb diminished.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | C diminished |
| ii | Db diminished |
| iii | Eb diminished |
| IV | E diminished |
| V | F# diminished |
| vi | G diminished |
| vii° | A diminished |
| 8 | Bb diminished |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (C diminished) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Db diminished) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Eb diminished) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (E diminished) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (F# diminished) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (G diminished) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (A 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 C half-whole 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 C half-whole diminished scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
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.