G# Half-whole Diminished Cuatro Venezolano Scale
Cuatro Venezolano scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Half-whole Diminished in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The G# Half-whole Diminished scale is a symmetrical scale that is an essential tool for jazz players. On Cuatro Venezolano, the notes are G#, A, B, C, D, D#, F, F#. It provides a sophisticated dissonant crunch when played over dominant seventh chords, allowing for complex, high-tension solos that still feel structured. Commonly used in Jazz, Bebop, Fusion, Film Scores. Notable players include Charlie Parker, Joe Pass, Pat Martino, George Benson. 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.
Notes: G#, A, B, C, D, D#, F, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 #5 6 7 b8
Formula: H-W-H-W-H-W-H-W
Number of notes: 8
Tuning: Standard (B-F#-D-A)
Also known as: dominant diminished, messiaen's mode #2