E minor six diminished chords
All guitar chords for the E minor six diminished scale
Show scale diagram ↓E minor six diminished scale diatonic chords
E minor six diminished scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
E minor six diminished scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized E minor six diminished scale yields the chord family behind the Barry Harris method of bebop harmony, enabling professional-grade voice leading between minor chords. The chords from E minor six diminished are E minor, F# diminished, G unknown, A diminished, C# minor seventh, C diminished, C# diminished, D# diminished. The alternation between minor sixth and diminished seventh chords creates the smooth, elegant chromatic movements that define bebop comping. This is the harmonic secret behind the polished sound of classic jazz piano. Commonly used in Jazz, Bebop, Swing. Notable players include Barry Harris, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell.
The E minor six diminished scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 6 7.
Intervals: W-H-W-W-H-H-W-H.
Diatonic chords: E minor, F# diminished, G unknown, A diminished, C# minor seventh, C diminished, C# diminished, D# diminished.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | E minor |
| ii | F# diminished |
| iii | G unknown |
| IV | A diminished |
| V | C# minor seventh |
| vi | C diminished |
| vii° | C# diminished |
| 8 | D# diminished |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (E minor) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (F# diminished) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (G unknown) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (A diminished) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (C# minor seventh) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (C diminished) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (C# 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 E minor six 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 E minor six diminished scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over m6 chords and their related dim7 chords. The scale alternates between chord tones and diminished passing tones, creating seamless bebop voice leading.