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Opinion and Analysis in Bass Guitar

Jazz Bass Soloing Pt. 3: Soloing Over The Half/Whole Diminished Scale

Last Updated: August 21, 2022 by John Marley

The half whole diminished scale is one of the most commonly used scales in jazz soloing. Its main function is to add alterations to dominant 7 chords. This creates a great deal of tension which usually resolves when the dominant moves to the tonic chord.  I have included a PDF which explains the alterations added to a dominant 7 chord, 2 lines which use the diminished scale and a sheet explaining patterns within the scale.

Once you have become comfortable with the half/whole diminished scale, you can then start looking for interesting patterns within it. If we look at the notes again, we will see that there are several major triads within the scale (Please notes that for to be clear, enharmonic equivalents are used): C–Db–Eb–E–F#–G–A–Bb

  • C Major Triad: C   E   G
  • Eb Major Triad: Eb   G   Bb
  • Gb Major Triad: Gb   Bb   Db
  • A Major Triad: A   C#   E

These 4 major triads ascend in minor 3rd intervals. You can use this to your advantage by playing them in sequence over a dominant 7th chord. This is a great sound with a lot of tension which has a great release if you resolve the line. Once you have tried this in all keys, try playing the triads out of sequence. For example, you could play a C major triad, then a Gb Major triad then a Eb major triad and then an A major triad. You do not have to play all 4 triads every time. Using just one or 2 also sounds great.

diminished scale line 1 john marley bass guitar course jazz soloing lesson part 3

 

diminished scale line 2 john marley bass guitar course jazz soloing lesson part 3

Make sure you practice exercises in all 12 keys and listen out for the scale when listening to jazz. You’ll start to hear it all over the place!

Download the lesson resources below:

  • Jazz Soloing: Diminished Scale Line – Example 1
  • Jazz Soloing: Diminished Scale – Example 2

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John Marley
Performing over 250 gigs a year, John Marley is one of the busiest bass players in the north of the UK. He also runs the website Jazzinyork.com which is a guide to jazz in his home city, and contributes a weekly jazz column to the York Press newspaper.
Latest posts by John Marley (see all)
  • Being a Working Musician Part 2: Pop Function Gigs - November 22, 2016
  • Being a Working Musician Pt. 1: A Day in the Life of a Working Bass Player - August 30, 2016
  • Soloing on Bass Guitar: Soloing Using ‘Continuous Chord Tones’ - May 17, 2016

Filed Under: Lessons and Tips Tagged With: how to solo on bass guitar, jazz soloing concepts, jazz soloing scales, jazz soloing techniques, jazz soloing tips, soloing jazz bass, soloing on bass guitar

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