Before we look at the diminished scale it is worth noting that we can find two different modes within the scale:
Diminished Scale Jazz Improv and Compositions Concepts
To begin with we will use the E diminished scale as it is an easy guitar fingering.
Diminished Scale Concepts
From the diminished scale we can use Dominant chords in Minor 3rds.
Diminished Scale Jazz Improv and Compositions Concepts
Tetrachord line ascending in Minor 3rds played over a C7 dominant chord.
Diminished Scale Jazz Improv and Compositions Concepts
Tetrachord Root flat 5 over C7 Dominant Chord
Diminished Scale Jazz Improv and Compositions Concepts
Below is a fingering that is from a John Mclaughlin sequence using the E diminished scale and is [To Me] a very comfortable fingering. The key is to connect each 4 not grouping [Tetrachord] with the 1s finger. This way the scale flows really easily and comfortably.
E Diminished Scale Jazz/Fusion music theory and composition lesson John Mclaughlin Style
C DIMINISHED SCALE:
Diminished Scale Jazz Improv and Compositions Concepts
From C diminished scale we go up in minor 3rds with 7#9’s
Diminished Scale Jazz Improv and Compositions Concepts
Diminished Scale Jazz Improv and Compositions Concepts
Here we Employ Minor 7ths in minor 3rds
Diminished Scale Jazz Improv and Compositions Concepts
Diminished Scale Jazz Improv and Compositions Concepts
Next we employ Dominant 7ths in Minor 3rds
E Diminished Scale Jazz/Fusion music theory and composition lesson
Diminished Scale Jazz Improv and Compositions Concepts
In this example we employ Slash Chords
E Diminished Scale Jazz/Fusion music theory and composition lesson
Diminished Scale Jazz Improv and Compositions Concepts
To finish with we have some more chord ideas but this time from the g sharp diminished scale.
Diminished Scale Jazz Improvisation and Fusion music theory lesson
E Diminished Scale Jazz/Fusion music theory and composition lesson
THE 13 FLAT 9 dominant chord
This is the common “Altered” dominant for this scale.
Below is a John Mclaughlin minor 7 flat 5 to a 13 flat 9 This has a masterful and great original fusion sound to it that avoids the predictable diminished cliche
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John Mclaughlin analysis of how to improvise over Dominant chords example
Hi Guys,
Just another “Quick” fire lick today from legendary guitar great John Mclaughlin!
This is a short lick doubled in unison with strings [or synth] and played in double time. It employs strict alternate picking starting on a down stroke. The lick exploits two “Dominant” chords, D7#9 and D7#9#11.
John Mclaughlin Guitar Lick:
John Mclaughlin analysis of how to improvise over Dominant chords example
Ascending John employs a simple pentatonic scale that exploits both the #9 [F natural] and the Major 3rd [F#]. Descending he employs the F melodic [jazz] minor scale.This is because the second dominant chord exploits the #11 [Ab]. It also creates an augmented flavour with the #5 [Bb] note]. This finally resolves to GMaj7#11 with an F#m9 arpeggio that finishes on the C# note [#11 of Gmaj7#11].
Although this line follows musical logic it is also slightly ambiguous which in turn creates an interesting and more original sound:
LICK:
John Mclaughlin “Dominant” Double Time Fusion Guitar Lick
VARIATION with Chromaticism:
John Mclaughlin “Dominant” Double Time Fusion Guitar Lick