Whole Tone Scale

The whole tone scale divides the octave into six equal whole steps, creating a symmetrical, ambiguous sound with no tonal center. Debussy used it extensively to create impressionistic, floating effects.

Formula: W-W-W-W-W-W   C Whole Tone Scale: C – D – E – F# – G# – A#

Choose a Key

C Whole Tone Scale G Whole Tone Scale D Whole Tone Scale A Whole Tone Scale E Whole Tone Scale B Whole Tone Scale F# Whole Tone Scale F Whole Tone Scale Bb Whole Tone Scale Eb Whole Tone Scale Ab Whole Tone Scale Db Whole Tone Scale

Related Scales

lydian dominantsuper locrian

Interval Pattern

Degree Degree Name Interval Step Note (C)
1 Tonic W C
2 Supertonic W D
3 Mediant W E
♯4 Augmented 4th W F#
♯5 Augmented 5th W G#
♭7 Subtonic W A#