6th Diminished Concept Lesson

The 6th Diminished scale is a powerful concept that bridges the gap between traditional harmony and more modern jazz vocabulary. By adding the b6 degree to a major scale, we create a unique harmonic landscape that alternates between 6th chords and diminished 7th chords.

1. 1. Constructing the Scale

      To create the 6th Diminished scale:

      1. Start with a major scale
      2. Add the b6 (flat sixth) degree
      3. The resulting scale has 8 notes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, b6, 6, 7

   2. Harmonizing the Scale

      When you harmonize this scale, you get alternating 6th chords and diminished 7th chords:

      • 1, 3, 5, 6 (Major 6th chord)
      • 2, 4, b6, 7 (Diminished 7th chord)
      • 3, 5, 6, 1 (Minor 6th chord)
      • 4, b6, 7, 2 (Diminished 7th chord)

2. Applications

   The 6th Diminished scale offers rich harmonic possibilities:

   • Comping: Use the alternating 6th and diminished chords to add color to your comping.
   • Soloing: The scale provides a wealth of melodic options over both major and minor chords.
   • Reharmonization: Use the concept to reharmonize standard tunes, adding harmonic movement to static chords.
   • Voice Leading: The close relationship between the 6th and diminished chords allows for smooth voice leading in your playing.

3. Practice Ideas

   • Play the 6th Diminished scale in all 12 keys, ascending and descending.
   • Practice alternating between the 6th chords and diminished 7th chords in each key.
   • Choose a standard tune and try reharmonizing it using this concept.
   • Improvise over a ii-V-I progression using only notes from the 6th Diminished scale of the I chord.
   • Create exercises that move between the 6th chords and their related diminished 7th chords, focusing on smooth voice leading.