F Diminished Guitar Scale — Open G
Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram
F Diminished in Open G — Notes and Intervals
The F 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 F, G, Ab, Bb, B, Db, D, E. 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: F, G, Ab, Bb, B, Db, D, E
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: Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
Also known as: whole-half diminished
About Open G Tuning
Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) produces a G major chord when strummed open, making it the definitive tuning for slide guitar and delta blues. The tuning's natural consonance means that barring across any fret gives you a major chord, which is why it's been the backbone of blues and roots music for over a century.
From Robert Johnson to Keith Richards, Open G has shaped some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string entirely in this tuning, creating his signature five-string sound on songs like 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'. For slide players, Open G is essential — it allows clean, singing slide lines across all strings with minimal effort.
Notable artists: Keith Richards, Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes
Best for: Slide guitar, delta blues, Keith Richards-style rock riffs, and open-string fingerpicking
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- F Diminished in Standard Tuning
- F Diminished in Drop D
- F Diminished in DADGAD
- F Diminished in Baritone (B Standard)
- F Diminished in 7-string
- F Diminished in 8-string
- F Diminished in Drop C
- F Diminished in Drop B
- F Diminished in Open D
- F Diminished in Half Step Down
- F Diminished in Open E
- F Diminished in Open A
- F Diminished in Double Drop D
- F Diminished in Open C