C Whole Tone Scale
Notes in the C Whole Tone Scale
| Degree | Name | Note | Frequency (A=440) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | C | 261.626 Hz |
| 2 | Supertonic | D | 293.665 Hz |
| 3 | Mediant | E | 329.628 Hz |
| ♯4 | Augmented 4th | F♯ | 369.994 Hz |
| ♯5 | Augmented 5th | G♯ | 415.305 Hz |
| ♭7 | Subtonic | A♯ | 466.164 Hz |
Interval Pattern
| Step | Interval | Semitones | From Note | To Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | C | D |
| 2 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | D | E |
| 3 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | E | F♯ |
| 4 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | F♯ | G♯ |
| 5 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | G♯ | A♯ |
| 6 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | A♯ | C |
Chords Built on Scale Degrees
| Degree | Note | Chord | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | C augmented | augmented |
| 2 | D | D augmented | augmented |
| 3 | E | E augmented | augmented |
| ♯4 | F♯ | F♯ augmented | augmented |
| ♯5 | G♯ | G♯ augmented | augmented |
| ♭7 | A♯ | A♯ augmented | augmented |
Key Signature
No sharps or flats — C Whole Tone Scale uses the same key signature as C major.
C Whole Tone Scale in Practice
The C Whole Tone Scale uses the key signature of no sharps or flats. C major is the simplest key signature with no sharps or flats. It is the starting point for music theory and the most widely studied key in Western music. On guitar, C positions offer open-string resonance for fingering positions for this 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. When played starting on C, the 6 notes are C, D, E, F♯, G♯, A♯. In this key the signature has no sharps or flats. C is the home key of the piano, requiring no black keys for the major scale, and is the default key for most music theory instruction. Beginners typically start in C because its lack of accidentals makes sight-reading, transposition exercises, and harmonic analysis straightforward.
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 261.626 Hz | 260.740 Hz | 261.626 Hz |
| D | 293.665 Hz | 293.332 Hz | 294.329 Hz |
| E | 329.628 Hz | 330.001 Hz | 327.032 Hz |
| F♯ | 369.994 Hz | 371.251 Hz | 367.911 Hz |
| G♯ | 415.305 Hz | 417.657 Hz | 418.601 Hz |
| A♯ | 466.164 Hz | 463.538 Hz | 470.926 Hz |
Related Scales
Guitar: C Whole Tone Scale Positions
The C key offers open-string resonance (no sharps or flats) on guitar. Sharp-side keys like C are idiomatic guitar keys because open strings (E, A, D, G, B, E) align with the scale's natural resonance points.