E Half-whole Diminished Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
E Half-whole Diminished in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The E Half-whole Diminished scale is a symmetrical scale that is an essential tool for jazz players. On Guitar, the notes are E, F, G, G#, A#, B, C#, D. 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: E, F, G, G#, A#, B, C#, D
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: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Also known as: dominant diminished, messiaen's mode #2
About Drop C Tuning
Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D) drops every string one whole step below Drop D, delivering a massive, brutal low-end that has defined the sound of modern metalcore, post-hardcore, and nu-metal. The low C string provides earth-shaking power chords with a single finger while maintaining familiar Drop D shapes — just two frets lower.
From System of a Down's iconic riffs to Killswitch Engage's crushing breakdowns, Drop C has become the standard tuning for heavy music that needs to sound bigger than standard Drop D. It bridges the gap between standard guitar territory and the extended range of 7-string guitars, making it accessible to players who want heavier tones without buying a new instrument.
Notable artists: System of a Down, Killswitch Engage, Bullet for My Valentine, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red
Best for: Modern metalcore breakdowns, heavy power chord riffs, nu-metal grooves, and aggressive rhythm playing
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- E Half-whole Diminished in Standard Tuning
- E Half-whole Diminished in Drop D
- E Half-whole Diminished in DADGAD
- E Half-whole Diminished in Open G
- E Half-whole Diminished in Baritone (B Standard)
- E Half-whole Diminished in 7-string
- E Half-whole Diminished in 8-string
- E Half-whole Diminished in Drop B
- E Half-whole Diminished in Open D
- E Half-whole Diminished in Half Step Down
- E Half-whole Diminished in Open E
- E Half-whole Diminished in Open A
- E Half-whole Diminished in Double Drop D
- E Half-whole Diminished in Open C