The Diminished Arpeggio Trick That Works All The Time

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Today we are going to learn how to use the diminished scale in a non diminished key.
The diminished arpeggio is a four note symmetrical arpeggio built on minor thirds and we are going to use it as the foundation for our diminished studies.
We will also use the minor natural scale as starting point because of being really close to the harmonic minor scale which contains a diminished arpeggio over its seventh degree.
The trick consists on playing minor natural and then adding the outside sounds of the diminished arpeggio.
As we know, all church modes are closely related. This means that we can apply the same concept to all the modes by using the root note of the diminished arpeggio as our "exit note".
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[@johnfisher4484]

One of the best instructors on you tube.Explains everything in detail without all of the in between words.

[@yuridanylko]

For anyone interested behind the harmonic theory of this one. He is using one of three harmonic functions of the dimished (7 or not) chord. The "substitution" function. Because dim7 naturally resolves into the minor chord following it, it has a dominant function. This can also be done on the note one step above the dominant fifth of the major scale to resolve to the root therefore "substituting" for the fifth chord. For example: G#dim(7) wil be a dominant chord to C.

[@gingervitus2377]

Wow, almost New Year's 2024 here and you became my brand new favorite just by this video. I had to break out my harmonic minor spell book and I saw right there what I wrote. The 7th mode IS diminished! Not exactly whole half all the way, but totally a diminish sound very full like. That linked it all together for me, bud. Teacher to teacher, that is what we call the stuff. 😄👊

[@cryptoskywalker6000]

That Vola is straight sick. That's the nicest looking guitar I've seen I a while.

[@zeyy84]

Ikr, that fretboard is gorgeous

[@miskatonicuniversityavclub202]

visit the sites of these 2 guitar companies and prepare to be blown away, skervesen and aristides (bonus 3rd ethereal guitars all made of various metals, as is aristides but thats a proprietary alloy called arium i think. its unique and they are beautiful) skervy is my favorite of the 3 but i want an aristides 808s bad

[@mrc404]

man you diminished my depression. Thanks

[@James-jd7ik]

Great lesson David ! Other teachers claim this is the “Robben Ford” Trick, which apparently he combines Diminished Arpeggios with Dominant chords ! that may be the case for ‘Astrophysicists’ and ‘Rocket Scientists’……….but for us intermediate guitarists yours is a brilliantly simple method of “showing us” how the ‘Harmonic minor scale’ contains the Diminished arpeggio. Telling us that each of the ‘Modes’ has a single trigger note into the Diminished is brilliant ! Now my playing can go beyond the Pentatonic scales. Thank you.

[@saskfarm]

Best guitar theory video I’ve seen on KZbin in at least 6 months. Thanks. Can’t wait to try some new licks with the band.

[@cliffbrown7964]

Just the Teacher i needed to move from intermediate to advanced Guitarist. Big Thanks Great Job!

[@bucketofnoises7810]

Dear David, your lessons are pure musical gold. Thank you!

[@markezov]

This might be the single most useful guitar video I have ever seen. Great stuff. Thank you.

[@rashollamanhollaman8101]

Great lesson, playing along a backing track can also make the lesson more easy to follow for some of us who find it ease to follow when we hear the guitar following a backing track.

[@guitarmemoir]

Have you ever been in a position when you get hit with the right info at exactly the right time? This is that for me. Perfect timing and many thanks for saving me hours of work. Knowing what note to use as a springboard into the arpeggio is pure gold. I know what I am working on for the foreseeable future. You have a way of communicating things in a way that I can grasp easily. That sheet you offer where you colour in the notes of the modes, is great on a 1/2 a dozen levels. Very useful tool. Thx for that too.

[@Wallimann]

Thank you!

[@thegreatestdao]

Contents are getting better and better!

[@apisdude]

that Vola guitar is absolutely stunning

[@gtor6994]

Just stumbled across this. What a fantastic teacher!

[@WallyPeterson]

Love this, partly because I'v already been working on this exact thing for a while (trying to build speed/make it more natural), even in the same key. But I didn't know exactly what it was, so this explanation is very helpful. Also, I hope this is the beginning of more videos that cover similar "tricks".

[@fancykennedy6302]

start your diminished runs in between SO and LA regardless, is what I took out of this. great job

[@Charlie22880]

Yeah Nice Job David… all the best…!!

[@vincentparrella272]

Dave you are one of the coolest,best teachers out there,please dont stop anytime soon.

[@anymusic24]

this has brought new meaning to soloing ... this is one of the best vids i have seen on using diminished, i love dim chords but was a bit frightened to try and use in soloing. Now you have opened yet another door for me and i would like to thsnk you David. So thabkyou so much for this and all you do for musicians.. Oh just one more thing .. KEEP ON ROCKIN IN THE FREE WORLD.

[@Thaiwithattitude]

Thank you David, so easy to relates to you teaching. I’m a self taught and this is how I learn to reach outside of my normal playing. The more times I kept coming back to watch your videos the more I hear what you’re trying not to confuse guys like me. I’m grateful, thanks!

[@chadandrews98]

Thanks! I noticed that if you start a diminished arpeggio on the 7th of the scale you hit the same notes. Got me thinking of how the locrian scale relates to the diminished.

[@frankgreco]

Just led me down a path that was unknown to me. And I've been playing for a while. Thanks David.

[@bigbb420]

This well articulated video has helped me IMMENSELY. You’re both a great player and teacher. Thank you surly!!

[@Wallimann]

Thanks so much!

[@zipperhead101]

This is amazing stuff, sir! It’s 5am all of a sudden and I’m still at it. Just excellent stuff. All of your vids are, in fact. Thank you!

[@yjmsrv]

I think it's important to point out where the harmonic minor and diminished scales come from too- it was created by classical composers who wanted a really strong resolution from the V chord back to the I chord like they get in a major progression when they were composing in a minor progression-so they "borrowed" the dominant V chord from the major scale and used it. That raised 7th degree really wants to move up a half step back to the tonic, and works very nicely. To help with that they then created the harmonic minor scale- and most composers will write melodies in natural minor over the other chords in the progression- then switch to harmonic minor over the V chord for the melody. Since that leaves a very nice diminished scale available- you can play the diminished over the V chord too- and all the Yngwie diminished runs are based right off that tone! Just move them up every three frets~

[@commentfreely5443]

so diminished arpeg over aeolean? close enough to harmonic.

[@PedroSilvaMusic]

Nice job 🤟🤠🤟

[@lichkrieg4898]

This man is the Bob Ross of guitar....

[@adamwebb9545]

Lichkrieg Alight now we’re walking through the woods and look, look at that. It’s an evil little diminished arpeggio. Doesn’t look too happy does he?

[@badmotorcycle1415]

That's not very flattering.

[@klaas5282]

check out Chords of Orion. Could also be the Bob Ross of guitar

[@arwaali7725]

Cgvdñwñwqññññwwe

[@kinan2934]

actually Paul Davids is

[@paulwhittakermusic]

Hi David - great channel! I use a very similar approach, but stack the minor 3rds in string pairs, so the g sharp and b would be on strings 6 and 5, and the d and f on strings 5 and 4 etc. A cool twist to this is to play g sharp, and b, then slide into the d from the c sharp, then f, then slide into the g sharp from the g etc etc. This takes out most of the uncomfortable stretches, and adds some cool approach tones. I think Django does a similar thing, probably to to reduce the minor 3rd stretch to 2 frets on adjacent strings rather than 3 frets on one string. I think it's also worth pointing out that, when playing these arpeggios descending, it's dead easy to think of the 9th as your access tone. Also, as well as outlining A harmonic minor, you could regard it as outlining an E7 flat 9 arpeggio (etc!) Keep up the good work - there's an awful lot of very poor tuition on KZbin, and it's great to see someone who can put the info over so well!

[@henshawg]

Nice trick and a simple way to remember. Thanks.

[@FrancisFurtak]

Good lesson. Easy to understand!

[@iamguitarded315]

Thanks David, this was extremely helpful. I had seen Yngwie Malmsteen explaining this idea once and I couldn't get it, you just made it crystal clear. I feel like making you cookies or something.

[@williamchiusano3185]

Lol Umm Yeah Yngwie is my Guitar hero BUT definitely NOT a teacher 🤣 Decades ago I took lessons from Al Pitrelli .. I learned ESPECIALLY by Listening and watching Vs The analystics ... That Being SAID the Chemistry of Theory is a priceless tool .. Kinda like Understanding English and (WHY things Work ) Start with VERY BASIC and building .. I found Classical Easier and more semetrical to my Brain and Ear ...

[@scottgallagherguitar]

Whatever you do, keep Yngwie away from the cookies..and donuts

[@owencraddock7609]

This is great stuff. Describing the diminished ladder as an 'exit' or 'get out' (I also like 'portal') really makes this concept easy(er) to understand. I do have questions though: Where can the 'exit' lead to? What other destinations do the 'portals' take us? I think exploring this would make for a fun follow-up.

[@tronlady1]

Oh geez that axe is STUNNING ♥️

[@justadudewhoplaysgames2262]

I found this arppegio months ago and now finally understood what it was

[@MrSteviek52]

This session is fabulous 🎉…straight to the vocabulary ….straight to the next gig 🤗…you ROCK 💥✨💙💫

[@whiskyjack802]

By far the best teacher I have encountered. Thanx so much for sharing your knowledge;) You rock brother.

[@jansley13]

You are a great teacher. Since I’ve subscribed to your channel I have started to understand the fret board a little bit more each time I do deep practicing. Love your approach to playing and teaching. Thank you 🙏

[@boysafu]

Woww. I very like this video master, i cant understand english very well,but you was explaning very simple. Thank u so much

[@Benitohatausprobiert]

Dude this was really helpful and something so precious explained so easily, thanks a lot!

[@jamescopeland5358]

I use this same thing on several tunes and It is very cool. Thx

[@rkrmusic2008]

Love the lesson, and the guitar design and the finish is a kill ✌️

[@aptelbruno8316]

Again, theory is fabulous - it opens endless unexpected tracks ! Thank you so much David.

[@realcygnus]

great info....I never thought of exactly this before & my theory is pretty solid. This dude knows his stuff. Great Channel

[@commentfreely5443]

bach did that in ...

[@anthonyshaw8698]

I totally agree!!!!

[@Steelpreacher]

Thank you so much! That was something I never understood! I've been searching for this lesson for 10 years or so! ;-)

[@MrGlowBaby]

You have simplified a complex subject - well done mate!

[@earlejules4559]

Beautiful studio beautiful beautiful studio

[@provcityparks3278]

Thank you david your classes are super awesome. I started playing around with your diminished scale trick and by chance in the background there is a symphonic melody. Im trying to express how to say it....this little scale is like a magic trick that helps you zero in on which scale the chord progression is in but still sounds good because there is structure to it. In my creative brain, it feels almost like the diminished scale is like a "doorway" if you will. When you close it, you are back "inside" key.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

Great little trick! Came at a good time for me. Thanks!

[@anthonyshaw8698]

Wow bro!!!! You are an awesome teacher!!! You make it so easy and understandable. Unlike some other guitarist who make it so complicated... Lol!!!!! Great job!!!! Keep up the good work. I've learned so much from you over the last month or so.

[@Heloin42]

thats so fantastic! its so easy to apply and has tons of flavour! thanks!

[@stevemaranza]

Great David, so clear and logical, a tasty language, good playing. Thank you.

[@aberhan]

Clear and simply explained.👍

[@Desmond-ul7cw]

That was awesome, David. Thank you.

[@bewl2641]

What a beautiful guitar

[@andrewwheelerguitar]

"but how's the intonation" LOL. I bet it's good...very good...

[@tifusin]

played by an incredible guy

[@MoonWalkerTexsRanger]

that dorian impro was amazing

[@firegarden3857]

Thx for this great eye-opener. 👍

[@90DayGame]

Where can we find the 7 church modes pdf you mentioned in this video 11:04? Great lesson. Thanks!

[@mccloysong]

Wow. Talented playing and mind-expanding theory. Thanks

[@iangarza990]

why would you like your own comment...

[@mccloysong]

@@iangarza990 I did? Did not mean to

[@msolbakken]

Yes, good stuff! Those exit notes make up a scale in themselves

[@chrisclermont456]

Very cool, easy to follow video.

[@williamchiusano3185]

You know your stuff ... it's been decades BUT I fully understand and remember 😎

[@naphtal]

Dude, thx. Much needed video. Had to stop and pause several time. Great playing.

[@Wallimann]

Thanks! :)

[@RyanBoyd-qm7kb]

nicely explained mate

[@Kipperbob]

Cool concept, I really need to practice more guitar because I'm finding that that my understanding of the application of music theory on the instrument has improved greatly through watching listening and paying attention to your instruction, Thank you!

[@Ripprock1]

Been looking for this for years. Thank You so much.

[@MattDobson1991]

Amazingly I understand a fair bit of what you said. I'm enjoying your channel a lot recently. Keep going

[@martinlicht1969]

You're the Man! Love your creative mind applied to pemuting the infinite possibilities of the fretboard.

[@bernardlaplante3743]

Absolutely awesome concept, can't wait to start using this idea tomorrow when I am jamming! Looking forward to the follow up on this.....

[@omarpervaiz]

Thanks David! Been looking for this for ages. Even hounded a few jazz head friends. Your explanation was by far the best and most practical. Just wondering if there's an exit note or exit point that would work with either whole half or half whole diminished scales? Most likely with more outside notes. Just wondering what your thoughts are on that. My gratitude for this really useful video. Shukria.

[@dwightbernheimer331]

I think I had you for a math teacher in another lifetime LOL Great video, don't know how many people got the point but a great video none the less... Happy New Year

[@davidlegalley1161]

👍🏾👍🏼🤜🏾🤛🏻 Very cool David! Thank you.

[@stevetaylor6488]

Thanks David, Tricky subject really well taught

[@wiwa23]

Great lesson! Clear and useful explanation!

[@gerardodiaz9148]

Great Master, and superior information about modes and the dimish chords for this scale that many players enjoy, but we assume that only goes for E m and some flamenco shapes with the A armonic minor, thanks so much.

[@graemelang111]

another superb lesson, great concept, really useful to apply either soloing live or just noodling in your room, cheers.

[@Ezguitarpick]

Great information. Excellent tutorial. Thanks! ♥

[@alexilaiho8534]

very nice video my friend! keep it up! learned a lot.

[@luukwoudstra8903]

Very helpful as always

[@robwilliams5835]

Great lesson! Could you add a pedal tone or backing track for reference and explain the relationship if changing chords please

[@seanh6097]

This seems to me an extremely useful scale, It was the one scale I was looking for as it can fit many places you wouldn't have realised. Diminished chords sound to my ear a mish mash of minor 7th

[@marktholcomb]

So glad I watched this.

[@m.a.e.official9346]

Thanks David, it helps me a lot to improve my guitar playing. Mostly got stuck in minor progression, but it's wide open.

[@chrisbarrineau7896]

Just found this and it's a fantastic concept! Thanks. I'm about to have some fun...and by the way, I have the same exact chair and color at my DAW!

[@PaulRoseGuitar]

Superb explanation

[@somtingwongwai7194]

you can do the same with the major chord, Phrygian Dominant, 5th mode of the harmonic minor. (example play the A harmonic minor scale over a E major Chord) The diminish arp is symmetrical, this pattern should work starting on minor 3rd intervals apart.

[@beatniko]

Really well explained! Thank you!

[@sartajsingh24]

Thank you !!! :)

[@salmanzaidi698]

Such a good teacher , God bless

[@trevorwaugh1952]

Great info ... thank you ! Subscribed

[@ericking8402]

That beautiful guitar is in the right hands

[@aspiadas]

Great explanation. Thank you :)

[@Paulskirocks]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@TommiTuominen1975]

This is useful approach, thanks.

[@the1khronohs40]

Yes! I love that scale, and now I know how to use it in my playing! In every mode!!! Thanks a bunch man! 😁👍💜

[@phillipwalsh7648]

Very cool. Great stuff!

[@madadami81]

Awesome lesson.Well done.

[@JedNadin]

David. More of this, this was freakin’ rad.

[@sasquatch7683]

My use of dim7 arps just became so much more useful. Glad I've already practiced them a bunch in the past.

[@bjmn7d]

Really good lesson, David.

[@TheTralfaz]

Good stuff....Ill be using this info heaps....thanks again