Diminished Scale for `Ukulele - C Tuning

You only need three Diminished scales to cover all 15 keys.

Published: 02 Jan 2005 Updated: 14 Jul 2022Visits: 19Code: UL25b

Category: ScalesInstrument: Ukulele Subjects: Intermediate • Scales • Quickstart • Advanced • Jazz • Diminished

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LESSONSeries : QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Fingering Series

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Diminished Scale for `Ukulele - C Tuning


The Diminished Scale scale is a symmetrical scale with a repeating pattern of whole steps and half steps. You only need three Diminished scales to cover all 15 keys.

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  • C D Eb F Gb A Bbb Cb C`
  • Db Eb Fb G Abb Bbb Cbb Db`
  • D E F G Ab Bb Cb Db D`

Based on the major scale the Diminished Scale contains the following scale degrees: 1 2 b3 4 b5 6 bb7 b8 8 .

The theoretically correct spelling of the Diminished scale with the double flats (bb) are shown. However Enharmonic note names can be used too make it a little easier to remember. Or simply use the repeating whole step and half step pattern.

The diminished scale works over a diminished or diminished seventh chords with the same root.

A Diminished scale starting a half step up from the root of a seventh chord contains both the third and seventh color tones of A seventh chord. It also gives you a flat nine, sharp nine and sharp fourth alterations.

Fingering

With the Diminished scale being a symmetrical scale, it's a good candidate for some set fingerings using a few of the fingering principles from the The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering , fingering principles.

In the QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Diminished Scale you will see the Basic and Pass fingering principles used a lot with a slide thrown in at the end to get the last note, the octave.

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Diminished Scale for `Ukulele - C Tuning…

What IS a Scale?

A scale is simply a collection of pitches or notes, not really a "this is a Jazz scale", "this is a Blues" or "this is a Rock scale". It's how a scale is used that really matters, not its name.

Most music starts with a scale. The melody, chords, licks, and riffs all can be related back to a particular scale or scales.

The Six Essential Scales ( in no particulate order ):

Essential Reference Scales

There are two scales that can be the memorized and other essential scales referenced from these two. These two scales are the Ionian/Major and Aeolian/Natural Minor scales. The Major and Natural Minor scales are traditional scales and common scales in all forms of contemporary music.

This lesson explores the Major and Natural Minor scales and their derivations.

QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele

This lesson uses the same page format as the QuickStart Scale & Arpeggio Fingering series of books.

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele 3 volumes.
C, G, and D tuning. (QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele )

The QuickStart Scale Fingerings Vol 1 covers the Blues, Pentatonic, Dorian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Ionian scales.

Each scale is also available as an individual book.

Download the PDF file for the latest, complete, and most up-to-date version. As well as additional information not presented on-line.

End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

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QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Fingering Series

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QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Fingering Series are a concise, well-organized series of books and lessons ideal for any ukulele, guitar or fretted string player beginning to explore scales and arpeggios. Unlike so many other instruction books on the market, QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Fingering Series keeps a sharp focus on the six critical scales, their fingerings and their related chords. All material is covered in every key.

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QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Diminished Triad

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There are four traditional triads: Major, Minor, Diminished and Augmented. Based on a major scale a Diminished triad contains the following intervals: Root (1), b3, b5. A one octave fingering solution is presented for each finger starting on strings ➃, ➂ and ➁. Beyond these fingering solutions, there are many alternate and extended patterns available.

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QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Diminished Scale

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The Diminished scale is a traditional scale used in a wide variety of music. This traditional scale is covered in all keys with one octave scale fingerings starting on any finger. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA).

A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Books

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

Checkout the Books for ALL available books.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

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