Bb
Diminished Scale
(Originally A#)
Note: A# Minor → Bb Minor
A# Major contains double sharps (C##, F##) and is rarely used in practice
Bb Major is the standard key with 2 flats, very common in wind instruments and jazz.
Scale Notes
Bb1+0 semitones
C2+2 semitones
Db3+3 semitones
Eb4+5 semitones
E5+6 semitones
Gb6+8 semitones
G7+9 semitones
A8+11 semitones
Scale Information
| Root Note | Bb (from A#) | Scale Type | Diminished Scale |
| Category | Symmetrical | Number of Notes | 8 |
Interval Pattern
Semitones: 0 - 2 - 3 - 5 - 6 - 8 - 9 - 11
Pattern repeats every octave (12 semitones)
A#0
B1
C2
C#3
D4
D#5
E6
F7
F#8
G9
G#10
A11
← Scroll horizontally to see all notes →
Understanding the Pattern: The numbers above show the interval distances between scale notes in semitones (half-steps). The highlighted notes like this are the notes that belong to this scale. This pattern can be moved to any starting note to create the same scale in different keys - that's how scales work across all 12 keys!
Scale Overview
Description
Alternating whole and half steps, used over diminished chords
Musical Context
This symmetrical scale contains 8 notes and is commonly used in Jazz and Wind instruments music. This scale requires some musical experience to master effectively.
Characteristics
SymmetricalJazz-orientedComplexChromatic
Practice Guide
Key Signature
2 flats (Bb, Eb)
Bb - C - Db - Eb - E - Gb - G - A
Difficulty Level
IntermediateCircle of Fifths
Very popular in jazz and wind instruments (trumpet, clarinet)
Common Genres
JazzWind instrumentsClassicalBrass
Common Uses
Jazz
Classical music
Bebop
Modern harmony
Practice Tips
- • Practice ascending and descending patterns
- • Try different rhythmic variations
- • Experiment with skipping notes (thirds, fourths)
- • Use as a basis for improvisation