Help With Symetrical Diminshed Scale

[bagsieblue]

Looking for help please on the Symetrical Diminshed Scale.

What is the difference between the half step / whole step and the whole step / half step.

For example, in C, are the first two notes of the scale.

C > Db

or

C > D

What are the difference in used for these? - when would would think to use them.

Information I have learnt so far is that C Dim as a half step / whole step would be cool to use over a C7 chord.

Anybody any diagrams to show fingerings on the bass as well please for me to use in study?

[Bilbo]

C - Db would work on a C7b9 chord (i.e. a dominant chord) whereas CD would work better on a diminished chord like Cdim7 or plain Cdim.

[bagsieblue]

Thanks Bilbo - just the person I hoped would be along.

What are the correct names for these scales (so I can cement them in my mind)?

Half Step / Whole Step .....repeat etc
C Db Eb...........


Whole Step / Half Step .....repeat etc
C D Eb

[Bilbo]

The only term I Know is whole-half diminished and half-whole diminished. But no-one uses those terms and just use the general term.

[bagsieblue]

Thanks Bilbo,

I guess in simple terms I will see if there is a b2 (b9) to to see if first of all the is a half step of a full step.

I understand to trust my ears - if it sounds good it is good but my question comes from the Berklee Jazz improvisation course of instantly making choices in real time.
Hence, I wanted to be able to have an idea in my mind of what scale to refer to as a staring point.