E Diminished Guitar Scale — Drop D

Guitar scale in Drop D tuning — fretboard diagram

E diminished scale — 6-string guitar fretboard diagramInteractive fretboard diagram showing the E diminished scale on 6-string guitar with 22 frets. Notes: E, F#, G, A, A#, C, C#, D#.EF#GAA#CC#D#EF#GAA#CC#CC#D#EF#GAA#CC#D#EF#GAGAA#CC#D#EF#GAA#CC#D#ED#EF#GAA#CC#D#EF#GAA#CAA#CC#D#EF#GAA#CC#D#EF#GD#EF#GAA#CC#D#EF#GAA#C1357911121315171921

E Diminished in Drop D — Notes and Intervals

The E 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 E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, C#, D#. 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: E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, C#, D#

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 D (D-A-D-G-B-E)

Also known as: whole-half diminished

About Drop D Tuning

Drop D tuning lowers the 6th string from E to D, giving you instant access to heavy power chords with a single finger. This deceptively simple change opens up a world of heavier riffs, deeper bass notes, and new chord voicings that are impossible in standard tuning. The low D string creates a powerful foundation for rhythm playing while keeping the rest of the fretboard familiar.

Drop D is one of the most versatile alternate tunings in modern music. From the crunchy riffs of grunge and alternative rock to the thunderous breakdowns of metal, this tuning has shaped the sound of countless iconic songs. It's also surprisingly useful for fingerpicking and acoustic arrangements where you need a deep bass drone.

Hard RockMetalGrungeAlternativeAcoustic Fingerpicking

Notable artists: Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Killswitch Engage

Best for: Power chords, heavy riffs, drop-tuned metal rhythm, and acoustic arrangements with a deep bass drone

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Drop D tuning