Overview
This lesson introduces the octatonic (diminished) scale, explains its structure, two variations, and notes its use in jazz and lack of a tonal center.
Octatonic Scale Basics
- The octatonic (diminished) scale has eight notes per octave.
- Its intervals alternate between whole steps (W) and half steps (H).
- The scale is used in jazz and other genres for its unique sound.
Two Types of Octatonic Scales
- The first type begins with a half step: C, Dâ™, Eâ™, E, F♯, G, A, Bâ™, C.
- The second type begins with a whole step: C, D, Eâ™, F, F♯, G♯, A, B, C.
- Both types use the same alternating pattern but start at different intervals.
Tonal Center
- Like the whole tone scale, the octatonic scale does not imply a clear tonal (central) pitch.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Octatonic scale — An eight-note scale built by alternating whole and half steps.
- Diminished scale — Another name for the octatonic scale due to its connection with diminished chords.
- Whole step (W) — An interval spanning two semitones.
- Half step (H) — An interval spanning one semitone.
- Tonal center — The central pitch or "home" note in traditional scales, often absent in octatonic scales.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Experiment with both types of octatonic scales by building them on different starting notes.
- Continue to the next lesson on Pelog scales for further study.