Half diminished scale

Half diminished scale on C  Play .

Half diminished scale

Modes	I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII
Component pitches
C, D, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭, C
Qualities
Number of pitch classes	7
Forte number	7-34
Complement	5-34

The half diminished scale is a musical scale more commonly known as "Locrian ♮2",^[1] name which avoids confusion with the diminished scales (see octatonic scales) and the half-diminished seventh chord (min. 7, flat 5). It may be considered Mode VI, the sixth mode, of the ascending melodic minor scale. See: jazz scale.

On C the scale is associated with dmi7♭5, which functions as a ii^o chord in minor. See: chord-scale system.

Applications

Locrian ♮2 is commonly used in jazz and some rock. It is commonly practiced by such neoclassical metal guitarists Michael Romeo, and such jazz pianists as Oscar Peterson and Jonah Cristall-Clarke.

The half diminished scales, although derived from classical scales, offer fresh potentials in harmonic and melodic structure.

References

1. Arnold, Bruce. Music Theory Workbook for Guitar: Scale construction and application. muse eek publishing. p. 17. ISBN 1-890944-53-X. Retrieved Jul 10, 2009.