Mike's Master Classes

The Diminished Scale In Improvisation

Steve Herberman·
5.0 (3 reviews)·INTERMEDIATE·Soloing·1 lesson
$13.95
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The Diminished Scale In Improvisation The diminished scale is perhaps the most fun and challenging scale used in improvising adding spice and a modern vibe to melodic lines. Gain a thorough understanding of the diminished scale through 12 pages of exercises and discussion in this in-depth 90-minute masterclass. Harmonizing any of the 3 symmetrical diminished scales will yield 16 different triads, and 16 seventh chords! This class looks at many of these possibilities in close detail. Highlights include:
  • Jim Hall’s “Careful”
  • Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” similar to Wes Montgomery’s classic version
  • Single note and chordal resolution exercises
  • Intervallic studies
  • The dominant/diminished connection
  • Classic sequences and patterns
  • Chord/Scale Visualization techniques
  • Triad usage and arpeggios
  • Diminished chord functions/substitutions
  • Memorization techniques
Fewer scales are as much fun and rewarding as the diminished. Get control of this valuable improvisation tool and enjoy the results!

Course Content

Lessons

  • The Diminished Scale In Improvisation5760

Reviews & Ratings

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Sandro Norton
Verified Purchase
3/11/2018

That's it. No more mystery about diminished scale. Steve really put a great effort in this lesson. one word. Fantastic

Philip DeMario
11/7/2009

I've seen/heard diminished concepts described dozens of times before, but Steve is an &quot;outside the box&quot; thinker, and comes up with interesting and unique applications and insights. <br /> <br /> Very clearly explained, with tons of patterns and lines to learn. I especially liked the section on resolution from every step in the scale. This is one of my favorite classes so far.

TOM MCDERMOTT
10/25/2009

Steve offers a wealth of knowledge in all of his lessons and this lesson is no exception and by far well worth the price!!!<br /> <br /> Tom

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About the instructor

Steve Herberman →
Steve Herberman is an exceptional guitarist…known for his deft counterpoint" –Downbeat Magazine. "The clarity and balance Steve gets with his right hand is amazing". – Jim Hall. "Steve’s improvising is uniquely fresh with melodic ideas that twist and turn and perk your interest with occasional elements of humor as well. There is a constant groove in his solo lines. He shows prowess harmonically and linearly with an abundance of chops and with an exceptional clarity to it all." – Gene Bertoncini Steve Herberman taught jazz guitar on the faculty of Towson University near Baltimore MD for 14 years and is presently teaching guitar at Sidwell Friends School, Washington Conservatory and is an ensemble coach for the Jazz Band Masterclass. He has presented guitar masterclasses in Italy and the U.K. and at many universities across the U.S. Steve has written instructional material for Downbeat magazine, Mel Bay’s Guitar Sessions, Just Jazz Guitar, Fingerstyle Guitar Journal and Fingerstyle 360 webzines. Steve Herberman is a graduate of Berklee College Of Music and has performed with renowned musicians such as Keter Betts, Buster Williams, Gary Bartz, Drew Gress, Chuck Berghofer, Harvie S, Mark Ferber, Jim Snidero, Ali Ryerson, Steve Williams, Steve LaSpina, Jeff Hirshfield, John Pisano and many more. Steve Herberman has recorded three CDs as a leader; Thoughtlines (2001) Action:Reaction (2006) and Ideals (2008.) In 2014 Steve recorded a live duo album with fellow guitarist Steve Abshire titled "Between Friends.” In 2017 Steve recorded a duo CD with award-winning vocalist Lena Seikaly, set for a Feb. 2018 release.