A diminished scale is a symmetrical scale that alternates between whole and half steps, creating a unique sound. It consists of eight notes, starting with a root note and following a pattern of whole and half steps. This scale is often used in jazz and classical music to create tension and resolve it effectively. Diminished scales can be categorized into two types: the whole-half diminished scale and the half-whole diminished scale. The whole-half scale starts with a whole step, while the half-whole scale begins with a half step. Musicians, such as jazz artists, frequently use these scales to improvise and enhance their compositions.