Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

A Diminished Guitar Scale in Whole Step Down

Diminished scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Whole Step Down.

Formula 1 2 b3 4 b5 b6 6 7
Tuning D A F C G D
Scale Notes 8 notes

Interactive fretboard

Scale Map

Root notes are highlighted in amber. Use the buttons to isolate each five-fret position.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
D D
E♭
F
F♯
G♯
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
F♯
G♯
A
B
C
A A
B
C
D
E♭
F
F♯
G♯
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
F♯
F F
F♯
G♯
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
F♯
G♯
A
B
C
D
E♭
C C
D
E♭
F
F♯
G♯
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
F♯
G♯
A
G
G♯
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
F♯
G♯
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
D D
E♭
F
F♯
G♯
A
B
C
D
E♭
F
F♯
G♯
A
B
C
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

D|---------------------------------0--1--3--4--|
A|---------------------------2--3--------------|
F|---------------0--1--3--4--------------------|
C|------0--2--3--------------------------------|
G|2--4-----------------------------------------|
D|---------------------------------------------|

0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 15 notes

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

The A Diminished scale uses A, B, C, D, E♭, F, F♯, G♯ and the formula 1 2 b3 4 b5 b6 6 7. In Whole Step Down tuning, the open strings run D A F C G D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each A root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.

Overview

Diminished sounds tense, patterned and highly dramatic. Try it for transition runs, shred lines and diminished dominant colour. Whole Step Down lowers every string by two semitones. The string relationships stay the same as Standard tuning.

Practice Tip

Sequence the repeating interval pattern and resolve the tension on a strong chord tone. In Whole Step Down, remember that a familiar shape now sounds a whole tone lower.

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E♭
  • F
  • F♯
  • G♯

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

These chords contain notes from the selected scale.

  • Adimdiminished
  • Bdimdiminished
  • Bm7b5minor 7 flat 5
  • B7dominant 7
  • Bmminor
  • Bmajor
  • B5power
  • Cdimdiminished
  • Ddimdiminished
  • Dm7b5minor 7 flat 5

Related Pages

Related Scales