E Whole Tone Scale
Notes in the E Whole Tone Scale
| Degree | Name | Note | Frequency (A=440) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | E | 329.628 Hz |
| 2 | Supertonic | F♯ | 369.994 Hz |
| 3 | Mediant | G♯ | 415.305 Hz |
| ♯4 | Augmented 4th | A♯ | 466.164 Hz |
| ♯5 | Augmented 5th | C | 261.626 Hz |
| ♭7 | Subtonic | D | 293.665 Hz |
Interval Pattern
| Step | Interval | Semitones | From Note | To Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | E | F♯ |
| 2 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | F♯ | G♯ |
| 3 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | G♯ | A♯ |
| 4 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | A♯ | C |
| 5 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | C | D |
| 6 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | D | E |
Chords Built on Scale Degrees
| Degree | Note | Chord | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | E augmented | augmented |
| 2 | F♯ | F♯ augmented | augmented |
| 3 | G♯ | G♯ augmented | augmented |
| ♯4 | A♯ | A♯ augmented | augmented |
| ♯5 | C | C augmented | augmented |
| ♭7 | D | D augmented | augmented |
Key Signature
4 ♯ — The E key signature uses F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯.
E Whole Tone Scale in Practice
The E Whole Tone Scale uses the key signature of 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯). E major has four sharps and a powerful, resonant sound particularly suited to guitar. It is one of the most common keys in rock and blues music. On guitar, E 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 E, the 6 notes are E, F♯, G♯, A♯, C, D. In this key the signature has 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯). E is the lowest open string on standard-tuned guitar and bass, making it the most resonant key for rock and metal power chord riffs. Jazz guitarists use E for bossa nova and smooth jazz because the open low E provides a warm bass foundation beneath complex chord voicings.
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| C | 261.626 Hz | 260.740 Hz | 261.626 Hz |
| D | 293.665 Hz | 293.332 Hz | 294.329 Hz |
Related Scales
Guitar: E Whole Tone Scale Positions
The E key offers 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯) on guitar. Sharp-side keys like E are idiomatic guitar keys because open strings (E, A, D, G, B, E) align with the scale's natural resonance points.