G Diminished Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
G Diminished in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The G Diminished scale, also known as the Octatonic scale and Messiaen's Mode of Limited Transposition #2, alternates whole and half steps to create an 8-note symmetrical structure. On Guitar, its notes are G, A, Bb, C, Db, Eb, E, F#. Only three unique diminished scales exist — after three transpositions, the notes repeat. It is the definitive sound of film noir, thrillers, and psychological horror, used by composers from Stravinsky to Hans Zimmer to evoke dread, ambiguity, and mounting tension. Use it over dim7 chords and as a sophisticated tension device over dominant 7ths. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical, Metal. Notable players include Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass, Bela Bartok, Dream Theater. Use over dim7 chords and as a tension device over dominant 7ths. Each diminished scale works over 4 different root notes (every minor 3rd).
Notes: G, A, Bb, C, Db, Eb, E, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6m, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7 8
Formula: W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H
Number of notes: 8
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Also known as: whole-half diminished
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
- G Diminished in Standard Tuning
- G Diminished in Drop D
- G Diminished in DADGAD
- G Diminished in Open G
- G Diminished in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Diminished in 7-string
- G Diminished in 8-string
- G Diminished in Drop B
- G Diminished in Open D
- G Diminished in Half Step Down
- G Diminished in Open E
- G Diminished in Open A
- G Diminished in Double Drop D
- G Diminished in Open C