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D# Half-Whole Diminished Scale
D# Half-Whole Diminished
scaleAt a Glance
- Formula:
- D# half-whole-diminished
| Notes | D# | E | E## | F## | G## | A# | B# | C# |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Degree Labels | R | b2 | #2 | 3 | #4 | 5 | 6 | b7 |
| Steps | H | W | H | W | H | W | H | W |
Piano
Fretboard
What It Is
An 8-note symmetric scale alternating half step, whole step, half step... - also called the dominant diminished scale. Notes: D#, E, E##, F##, G##, A#, B#, C#.
How It Functions
Contains a dominant 7th chord's root, 3rd, and b7th plus the b9, #9, #11, and 13 alterations, making it a standard improvisational choice over an altered dominant chord.
Mood & Character
Tense and angular - the alternating half/whole steps give it a jagged, unresolved color distinct from any 7-note scale.
Real Song Examples
Real song examples aren't available yet - check back soon.