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Jazz Studies With Bill Harrison: Play Along Tracks: Lesson 4 – Using the Diminished Scale
Meet Bill Harrison
(Note: Please be sure to download both the mp3 playalong track and the pdf file below to get the most benefit from this lesson.)
Click below to open the lesson and mp3:
Bill Harrison-Play_Along_Tracks_Lesson_4_-_dim
Click here to play the mp3
Last time (Lesson #3) we were working with the full ii-7 / V7 / IM7 / VI7 turnaround in the key of F (Ex. 1). I mentioned that the VI7 chord is a “secondary dominant”, a chord that acts as a V of a chord other than the I in whatever key we happen to find ourselves. In the key of F the VI7 is D7, which is the V of ii (G-7), often notated as V7/ii-7 (the “five of two”). In practice, however, the dominant chord on VI is so common that we don’t bother with the fancy name – we just say VI7.
The other new piece of harmony I introduced last time was the flatted 9th, probably the most common addition or “alteration” to the dominant chord in jazz. On a D7 the 9th would be E; take that note and lower it a half step and you have Eb, the flatted 9th. The natural 9th E, while adding a nice color to the otherwise drab 7th chord, doesn’t alter the scale from which the chord is derived – D mixolydian (Ex. 3).
But as soon as you alter the 9th by either flatting or (as we shall see in a moment) sharping it, the whole harmonic landscape is altered as well. There is no Eb in D mixolydian, nor is there an E sharp (better known as F natural – the sharp 9th). If the harmony calls for an altered 9th, the natural 9th sounds like a wrong note, and playing it makes you sound like a newbie or like someone who isn’t listening.
Fortunately there is a scale that contains both altered 9ths, and here’s how its derived: Take a look at the D7b9 chord (Ex. 2). If you eliminate the root, the remaining four notes (F# A C Eb) spell a diminished 7th chord – all minor 3rds. The scale that connects those chord tones is called the diminished (or octatonic) scale. (Ex. 4). When you apply that scale to the D7b9 it works beautifully and gives the dominant sound a whole new harmonic flavor.
When you compare the mixolydian to the diminished scale (Ex. 3 & 4), you’ll notice that the natural 9th (E) is replaced by both altered 9ths (Eb and F natural) and the perfect 4th (G) is replaced by the sharp 4th (G#). These “color tones” are powerful notes in the jazz vocabulary; they add delightful tension to the dominant 7th, which makes the resolution to I that much more satisfying.
We’re just scratching the surface of diminished harmony; its a deep well of harmonic and melodic material. There are several books on the subject, as well as many recognizable licks using this sound.
So start listening for the altered 9th – you’ll hear it everywhere. The sharp 9th is also very common – it has a very bluesy flavor, since it contains both the major and minor 3rd (which is the same as the sharp 9th). Ex. 5 gives you a couple of ideas on how to use the diminished scale as part of a bass line. There’s space for you to continue developing your sophisticated bass lines on the remainder of the page. Happy walking!
Download MajorTurnPnoDr02F.mp3
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
