Symmetric
Diminished (W-H) Scale
An 8-note symmetric scale alternating whole and half steps. The inverse of the H-W diminished — slightly different flavour but equally symmetric.
Hear the Diminished (W-H) Scale
How to Identify It
Similar to H-W diminished but starts with a whole step — slightly more open at the beginning before the characteristic tension builds.
Famous Examples
- Jazz solos over dominant chords
- Bebop improvisations
- Symmetrical passage work in modern classical
Diminished (W-H) in All 12 Keys
Often Confused With
About the Diminished (W-H) Scale
The diminished (w-h) scale is a symmetric scale built from the interval pattern 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1 (in whole and half steps). An 8-note symmetric scale alternating whole and half steps. The inverse of the H-W diminished — slightly different flavour but equally symmetric.
To recognise the diminished (w-h) scale reliably by ear, focus on its characteristic mood — tense, chromatic, modern, angular. Use the player above to hear it in all 12 keys, and the recognition trainer to test yourself against a mixed set of scales.