How to Play a Whole Half Diminished Scale for Guitar

Contributor

By Matthew Warnock
eHow Contributing Writer

Play a Whole Half Diminished Scale for Guitar

The whole-half diminished scale can be used to produce new and exciting tone colors in any guitarist's solos or melodic phrases. Learning to play the whole-half diminished scale with proper fingering and technique will allow you to easily access this scale in any key across the guitar's neck.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Place the left-hand index finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Pluck the note with a pick or right hand fingers.
Step 2

Place the left-hand ring finger on the fifth fret of the fifth string. Play the string.
Step 3

Place the left-hand pinky finger on the sixth fret of the fifth string. Pluck the note.
Step 4

Place the left-hand index finger on the third fret of the fourth string. Play the string.
Step 5

Place the left-hand middle finger on the fourth fret of the fourth string. Pluck the note.
Step 6

Place the left-hand pinky finger on the sixth fret of the fourth string. Pluck the string,
Step 7

Place the left-hand index finger on the second fret of the third string. Play the note.
Step 8

Place the left-hand ring finger on the fourth fret of the third string. Pluck the note.
Step 9

Play all eight notes in a row to produce a C whole-half diminished scale.

Tips & Warnings

Practice playing the whole-half diminished scale in different keys along the fifth string. The first note of the scale is the root, which indicates the key. For example, starting this scale on the sixth string will produce a D# whole-half diminished scale.

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