D Half-whole Diminished Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram
D Half-whole Diminished in Open G — Notes and Intervals
The D Half-whole Diminished scale is a symmetrical scale that is an essential tool for jazz players. On Guitar, the notes are D, Eb, F, F#, G#, A, B, C. 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: D, Eb, F, F#, G#, A, B, C
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: Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
Also known as: dominant diminished, messiaen's mode #2
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D Half-whole Diminished in Standard Tuning
- D Half-whole Diminished in Drop D
- D Half-whole Diminished in DADGAD
- D Half-whole Diminished in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Half-whole Diminished in 7-string
- D Half-whole Diminished in 8-string
- D Half-whole Diminished in Drop C
- D Half-whole Diminished in Drop B
- D Half-whole Diminished in Open D
- D Half-whole Diminished in Half Step Down
- D Half-whole Diminished in Open E
- D Half-whole Diminished in Open A
- D Half-whole Diminished in Double Drop D
- D Half-whole Diminished in Open C