when you said diminished before did u mena like 1 b3 b5 bb7? or just 1 b3 b5?
with the three string paterns i tend to just alternate pick them. i find this easier. as sweepin slightly throws me off balance. which is alright for big sweeps cos i have time in them to regain it. but in small ones they just confise me. but then again maybe i should work on this.