Symmetrical Scales

Symmetrical Scales are an important tool in the palette of any improvisor, arranger or composer, though they are often shied away from because of their exotic sound and slightly awkward fingerings on the guitar.

The term Symmetrical means that, as opposed to Major Scales for example, each of these scales has a repeating interval pattern that reoccurs to build the scale. As well, each scale divides the octave into equal parts, as such:

12 Parts – Chromatic Scale (Semi-Tones)
6 Parts – Whole Tone Scale (Tones)
4 Parts – Diminished Scales (m3rds)
3 Parts – Augmented Scale (M3rds)
2 Parts – Tri-Tone Scale (Augmented 4th)

Because of this, these scales have a unique sound to them that jumps out at your ears as you play them. Watch how and when you use these scales in your solos and composing, because they are so unique they can be highly effective, but also get old pretty quickly if they are overused.

Click on any mode below to learn more about how each one is built and see fingerings for 1 and 2 octave patterns for each Symmetrical Scale.

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