Here’s a surprisingly simple way to construct a diminished scale using a dominant seventh arpeggio and related approach tones.
- First, start with a dominant seventh arpeggio. We’ll use a Bb7 arpeggio as an example. The notes of a Bb7 are Bb (root), D (3rd), F (5th) and Ab (7th).
- Next, add one approach tone to each note of the arpeggio. Approach the root from a half-step above, Cb to Bb. Approach the 3rd, 5th and 7th from a half-step below, C# to D, E to F, G to Ab, respectively.
- Finally, reorder these pitches into an ascending diminished scale.
- And that’s it!
Here are some tips to use this scale on the guitar.
- First, learn the notes of the Bb7 arpeggio and their orientations within the chord: Bb is the root, D is the 3rd, F is the 5th, Ab is the 7th.
- Play and memorize the Bb7 arpeggio. Also, say the letter name of the pitch you’re playing. You should aim for fluency in identifying each note.
- The Bb7 arpeggio will be your point of reference. (See a full fretboard view of Bb7.)
- Add approach tones, Cb, C#, E and G, to the arpeggio.
- Experiment with different inversions and positions. (See a full fretboard view of Bb7 with approach tones.)
- Once you’re comfortable with the dominant 7th arpeggio and the approach tones, it’s time to experiment. See what you can come up with!
- Here’s an example.
- Finally, try to create diminished scales based on other dominant seventh arpeggios.
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Can’t get enough of the octatonic scale? Check out these studies for classical guitar:
Eight Octatonic Studies (with tablature)
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