Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
There’s perhaps nothing that screams “neo-classical shred” more than the distinctive sound of the diminished scale. But the high tension nature of the scale is way more useful than its association with players like Yngwie Malmsteen might suggest. In fact you’ll find it can add an exotic twist to jazz, fusion and blues solos too (just check out Robben Ford, Allan Holdsworth or John Scofield).
It can be an intimidating scale to get to grips with though, so this short video lesson from Elixir Strings Jimena Fosado provides a great intro to diminished delights. Using a couple of simple arpeggio shapes, this lick is a quick one-bar phrase that resolves nicely and, depending on the amount of gain used, could fit in all sorts of situations!
Explaining why she’s a fan of Elixir Strings on her electric guitars, Jimena says, “I love Elixir Strings not only because they last far longer than any other brand when playing them every day, but because they make me feel like a rockstar when I’m recording, performing or jamming by myself. Their sound is what I want to hear every time and makes me feel every note I play!”
Jimena uses Elixir® Nickel Plated Strings with OPTIWEB Technology 10-46
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There’s perhaps nothing that screams “neo-classical shred” more than the distinctive sound of the diminished scale. But the high tension nature of the scale is way more useful than its association with players like Yngwie Malmsteen might suggest. In fact you’ll find it can add an exotic twist to jazz, fusion and blues solos too (just check out Robben Ford, Allan Holdsworth or John Scofield).
It can be an intimidating scale to get to grips with though, so this short video lesson from Elixir Strings Jimena Fosado provides a great intro to diminished delights. Using a couple of simple arpeggio shapes, this lick is a quick one-bar phrase that resolves nicely and, depending on the amount of gain used, could fit in all sorts of situations!
Explaining why she’s a fan of Elixir Strings on her electric guitars, Jimena says, “I love Elixir Strings not only because they last far longer than any other brand when playing them every day, but because they make me feel like a rockstar when I’m recording, performing or jamming by myself. Their sound is what I want to hear every time and makes me feel every note I play!”
Jimena uses Elixir® Nickel Plated Strings with OPTIWEB Technology 10-46
Check out our products: elixirstrings.com/products
Check out Elixir Strings: elixirstrings.com/guitar-strings
Keep current. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/ElixirStringsMedia?sub_confirmation=1
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/elixir_strings
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/elixirstrings
Follow Jimena Fosado on Instagram: instagram.com/jimenafosado
