Jazz Etude #2

by Per Danielsson

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The Diminished scale is what we call a Symmetrical scale and it exists in two versions, Half/Whole and Whole/Half. The W/H works over fully diminished 7th chords and the H/W works over dominant 7th chords that include 9, #9, 13 and #11. Both these scales are symmetrical because they are constructed by alternating half steps and whole steps. The diminshed scale is unique in that it never resolves, which most other scales do.

Half-Whole Diminished Scale



Whole-Half Diminished Scale

Since there are only three different diminished chords, there are only three different diminished scales. Of all the different scales, the diminished is perhaps the most fun, gratifying and easy scale to learn. This etude is constructed in a symmetrical fashion. It will help you to play the diminished scales ascending and descending. It will also give you practice in minor 7th chord arpeggios.

Practice hints:

1. Work out a fingering that works well for you.
2. Practice the etude in different tempos. Start slow and don't speed up the tempo until you are sure about all the notes. You might have to spend some extra time with the harder keys. Use a metronome.
3. When you are comfortable with the voicings, try to be more rhythmic with your left hand.
4. Make it musical. Try to play with a nice relaxed swing feel.
5. Analyze the etude and locate the 13th, 9, #9 and #11 scale degrees.

These are the scales used in this etude:

Per Danielsson