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This series of patterns is designed to make you comfortable switching between two modes a half-step apart. We’ll start simple and get more complex as we go.

This particular four-note pattern changes modes every two beats. Obviously, you would want to practice this in all keys.



Download the full pattern:

Playing Outside: The Dominant 7 Pentatonic Scale Pattern 1

• Holy Six #1 is a series of major arpeggios weaving up and down a half step at a time. For variation, try different chord qualities and inversions.
  
• Holy Six #2 is a pattern based on a V-I progression and is repeated by transposing a whole step. For variation, try different chord qualities.
  
• Holy Six #3 is a pattern based on the diminished scale. A favorite of John Coltrane, this exercise has plenty of practical application and room for variation.
  
• Holy Six #4 is a four note pattern (1-2-3-5) repeated in the interval of a minor third.
  
• Holy Six #5 is another four note pattern (b6-5-3-1) repeated in intervals of a major third.
  
• Holy Six #6 is a pattern I like to call, “The Windmill.” A flurry of fourths within a larger pattern of minor thirds—the faster this pattern is played, the more you blow people away.
  

Get the entire Holy Six for free:

A major benefit to this scale is that you only have to learn it in three different keys since it repeats itself every minor third. Another useful aspect of its symmetrical and repeating nature is the use of scale patterns. Patterns can be a wonderful source of inspiration for solos as well as being useful in improving finger dexterity. And now for some practical applications:

In this example, the scale (whole step-half step) is played over a Dmin7 chord and ends nicely by leading into the third (G#) of the E7 chord.

This example is similar to the first but uses a different diminished scale over the same chord (Dmin7).

This is a nice long run over a G7 chord.

Here’s a pattern in the style of John Coltrane.

Get 17 of my favorite diminished scale patterns for free:

Found via Crooks and Liars