C-Diminished W-H Scale Notes on the Guitar Fretboard

Map showing all notes of the C-Diminished W-H (Whole tone - Half tone) scale across the entire guitar fretboard.

C-Diminished consists of the notes C, D, Eb, F, Gb, G#, A, B, and its scale-degree formula is 1-2-b3-4-b5-#5-6-7.

Its intervallic formula of whole-steps (W) and half-steps (h) is: W-h-W-h-W-h-W-h.

Note that this is a symmetrical scale, which means it can only be transposed into another "key" a limited number of times before it repeats itself, just starting on a different note. This is different from modes. With modes, the pitches are the same, but the interval structure and the tonal center change, creating a completely different sense of gravity. With the diminished scale, however, when it repeats, both the pitches and the intervals remain identical—which is exactly why it is called symmetrical.

For example, the Diminished scales built on C, A, Eb, and F# contain the same notes and interval pattern, so this chart applies equally to all four.

How You Can Use This Chart

• Visualize and memorize the notes of the C-Diminished scale across the entire fretboard.
• Play your passage over a C diminished (Cdim) or C diminished 7th (Cdim7) chord using any notes from the diagram.
• Break free from playing the scales using the boxed patterns.
• Memorize notes of the scale one string at a time.
• Learn the intervallic pattern of whole and half-steps of the scale using one string only.

But you are free and encouraged to come up with your own uses as well.

Features and Benefits of the Chart

• Note Names. Diagrams have beginner-friendly note names instead of generic intervals and other types of presentation you might not yet be comfortable with.
• Scale Formula: Notes that make up the C-Diminished scale and its degrees formula are conveniently placed right above the diagram so that you don't need to look up another reference.
• 12 and 24 Frets: The charts are available in two variations: as 12 frets and as 24 frets.
• Highlighted Roots. Knowing where the root notes are is what differs this scale from any other scale within the same family of scales (i.e. relative modes). So it is very important to be aware of where your roots are and this chart allows you to locate them effortlessly.
• Doubled Frets: Fret numbers are provided both below and above the diagram, offering additional visual cues to pinpoint your location and navigate the fretboard with even greater ease.