9. Diminished, Whole Tone, and Chromatic Scales

Circuit Training: Unit 9 - Diminished Whole Tone Chromatic

Hello and welcome to circuit training, unit 9.

Introduction to the Diminished Scale

The diminished scale is very widely used in the world of jazz, but it's quite a rarity for us classical players.

Basic Formation

• The basic formation is either:
  • Tone - Semitone
  • Semitone - Tone

With every third note creating the interval of a minor third. If we join these minor thirds together, we create a diminished chord.

Diminished Scale Structure

A diminished scale can be thought of as two interlocking diminished seventh chords.

• Chris, if you play figure one, page 51, you can hear this.

Relation to Major Intervals

Four majors is based on intervals found on the diminished scale. Define the phrasing clearly and use D in fourth in bars 8, 13, and 19.

Importance of Pivot Points

Pivot points on the slide are very important, especially in chromatic scales.

• Try to:
  • Change the direction of the slide on main beats to avoid irregular accents in the low register.
  • Carefully learn the sequence of smaller shifts in the higher register as repeated patterns or clich?s.

The Sanctus movement from Verdi's Requiem is a good example of this.

Trombone Section Playing

It's also a good idea when playing in a trombone section to use all the same slide positions. The effect of ascending across the harmonics while moving the slide out is particularly pleasing.

Exercises Based on the Diminished Scale

• Crabwise Cocktail, page 54, is also based on the intervals found in the diminished scale.

  • In Bar 7, you can use second or fourth position for all the notes, but be careful to tune them correctly.

• The One and a Half Study is what it says, a study based on the tone and semitone relationship of the diminished scale.

  • Make sure you sustain the length of the two slurred quavers in the phrasing to avoid any rushing.

• Sa Swing Along is a short study in the jazz style, still based on the diminished scale.

  • You can play across the harmonics for the jazz turn in bars 4, 21, 23, etc.
  • Make sure to exaggerate the jazz phrasing.
    • Long - Short: that means the short, really short.

Relaxed Swing Feel

Tara, try to produce a relaxed, cool swing without any reference to a classical dotted rhythm.

Conclusion

We have covered a lot in this unit and heard some fantastic playing. Don't forget that all we have talked about and heard played can be found in Circuit Training, Volume 2.