Whole Tone Scale Overview

Overview

This lecture introduces the whole tone scale, describing its structure, unique sound, and typical uses in music.

Whole Tone Scale Structure

• The whole tone scale contains six notes, each separated by a whole step (tone).
• There are no half steps in the whole tone scale.
• The scale repeats after six notes.

Sound and Musical Role

• The whole tone scale lacks a clear tonic, making it hard to establish a home note.
• Music using the whole tone scale sounds "blurry" or "wandering."
• This scale is uncommon and usually used for brief segments in music rather than entire compositions.

Example in C Whole Tone Scale

• Scale sequence starting from C: C, D, E, F♯/G♭, G♯/A♭, A♯/B♭, and back to C.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Whole Tone Scale — A six-note scale where each note is a whole step apart, creating an ambiguous, floating sound.
• Whole Step — An interval consisting of two semitones, skipping one key or fret.
• Tonic — The home note or pitch central to a scale; the whole tone scale lacks a clear tonic.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Practice playing the whole tone scale on your instrument.
• Listen to music examples that use the whole tone scale for short sections.
• Read the next topic on the octatonic scale.