Top Guitar Licks Using Diminished Seventh Chords for Blues and Jazz Fusion

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Mastering the art of guitar licks that incorporate diminished seventh chords can significantly elevate your blues and jazz fusion playing. These chords add tension, color, and sophistication, making your solos more expressive and compelling. In this article, we explore some of the top guitar licks that utilize diminished seventh chords to inspire your improvisation and songwriting.

Understanding the Diminished Seventh Chord

The diminished seventh chord is a four-note chord built by stacking minor thirds. It has a symmetrical structure, which allows it to be transposed easily across the fretboard. Its unique sound creates a sense of tension and release, perfect for jazz and blues improvisation.

Construction and Sound

The formula for a diminished seventh chord is: 1, ♭3, ♭5, ♭7. For example, a B diminished seventh (Bdim7) includes the notes B, D, F, and A♭. This chord can be used as a passing chord or a target note within a lick, adding harmonic interest.

Here are some classic and effective licks that incorporate diminished seventh chords, suitable for blues and jazz fusion styles. Practice these to develop your vocabulary and improvisational skills.

Lick 1: The Passing Diminished

Start on the root note, then slide into a diminished seventh chord tone, resolving to the target note. For example, in the key of C, play C, then slide from B to B♭ (the diminished seventh), and resolve to D for a smooth transition.

// C major scale with diminished passing tone
e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|------------------------|
A|--3--2--3--------------|
E|--------------1--------|

Lick 2: Diminished Arpeggio Run

Use diminished arpeggios to create a chromatic, tense sound. Play a diminished seventh arpeggio ascending or descending, then resolve to a major or dominant chord tone. For example, in G, play G–A♭–B♭–B–D–F–A♭–G.

// Diminished arpeggio pattern
e|--0--1--3--4--5--6--8--9--|
B|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|
D|---------------------------|
A|---------------------------|
E|---------------------------|

Lick 3: The Chromatic Diminished Line

Combine chromatic passing tones with diminished chords to create a fluid, jazzy line. Play a sequence of notes that outline the diminished chord tones, adding passing notes between them for a smooth, connected sound.

// Chromatic line over diminished chord
e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|------------------------|
A|--3--4--5--6--7--------|
E|------------------------|

Applying Diminished Seventh Licks in Blues and Jazz Fusion

In blues and jazz fusion, diminished seventh chords can serve as passing chords, resolve to tonic or dominant chords, or be integrated into improvisations for added tension. Experiment with incorporating these licks into your solos to create more dynamic and colorful performances.

Tips for Practice

  • Start slowly to internalize the fingerings and sounds.
  • Use a metronome to develop timing and rhythm.
  • Apply the licks over backing tracks in different keys.
  • Experiment with combining these licks with other scale patterns.

Mastering these diminished seventh licks will add a new dimension to your guitar playing, enriching your blues and jazz fusion vocabulary. Keep practicing, and let these sounds inspire your improvisations.