Diminished Scale (Half-Whole)

The half-whole diminished scale alternates half and whole steps, creating an 8-note symmetrical scale ideal for dominant chord improvisation and tension-building in jazz.

Formula: H-W-H-W-H-W-H-W   C Diminished Scale (Half-Whole): C – C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯ – G – A – A♯

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Related Scales

Interval Pattern

Degree Degree Name Interval Step Note (C)
1 Tonic H C
♭2 Altered 2nd W C♯
♭3 Minor Mediant H D♯
3 Major Mediant W E
♯4 Tritone H F♯
5 Dominant W G
6 Major Submediant H A
♭7 Subtonic W A♯