Whole Tone Scales

The Whole Tone Scale is exactly what its name says- every note is a whole step higher (or lower) than the previous note. Because of this, the scale has only seven notes instead of the eight note scales we’re used to. Also, since all notes are equal-distant from their adjacent notes, there are really only two whole note scales. (The first six scales below all have the same notes. The second six have the same notes also.) To keep things streamlined, we will only use sharp and natural note names. Use your knowledge of enharmonics to figure out the flat scales!

The Whole Tone Scale- this short lesson uses the piano keyboard to explain how it is constructed.


C

D

E

F#

G#

A#

F

G

A

B

C#

D#