Scales and modes
Whole-tone scale
The whole-tone scale is a symmetrical six-note scale built entirely from whole steps (1 2 3 #4 #5 ♭7), with a floating sound that suits augmented chords.
What is the whole-tone scale?
The whole-tone scale splits the octave into six equal whole steps. Formula: 1 2 3 #4 #5 ♭7. In C: C D E F# G# A# (the last note is often written B♭).
Because every note is the same distance from the next, none of them sounds like home: the scale seems to float with no direction. It is the dream-sequence sound of cartoons, of Debussy, and of many Thelonious Monk lines.
A surprising consequence: there are only two whole-tone scales. The C one (which is also D, E, F#, G# and A# whole tone) and the C# one (C# D# F G A B).
How do you play the whole-tone scale on guitar?
On a single string it is instant: one note every two frets. To cover the neck, use three notes per string starting from C (low E string, 8th fret):
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8, 10, 12 | C D E |
| 5 | 9, 11, 13 | F# G# A# |
| 4 | 10, 12, 14 | C D E |
| 3 | 11, 13, 15 | F# G# A# |
| 2 | 13, 15, 17 | C D E |
| 1 | 14, 16, 18 | F# G# A# |
The pattern climbs one fret per string, and two frets between the G and B strings. Thanks to the symmetry, any shape moved by two frets gives the same scale. The whole-tone scale is one of the symmetric scales in the Pro library of the guitar scales tool.
Which chords does the whole-tone scale fit?
The scale contains two augmented chords: C E G# and D F# A#. So it fits:
- an augmented chord, C+;
- a dominant chord with a raised fifth, C7#5 or C9#5 (C E G# B♭ D), especially when it resolves to F.
It differs from the altered scale, the other classic choice over an altered dominant: whole tone keeps a natural 9 (D) and has no ♭9 or #9. Its symmetrical cousin, the diminished scale, is the one for 7♭9 chords.
Exercise: C7#5 to Fmaj7
- Play C7#5: x 3 x 3 5 4 (C, B♭, E, G#).
- Run one bar of whole tone downward on the G and D strings: G string frets 15, 13, 11 (A# G# F#), D string frets 14, 12, 10 (E D C).
- Resolve to Fmaj7 (x x 3 2 1 0), aiming for A on the G string, 2nd fret.
Variation: play the augmented triad C E G# on strings 4-3-2 (frets 10, 9, 9), then slide it up four frets (14, 13, 13): same notes, different inversion.
Key takeaways
- Formula: 1 2 3 #4 #5 ♭7, six notes, whole steps only.
- Only two distinct whole-tone scales (C and C#).
- Use it over augmented and 7#5 / 9#5 chords.
- Any fingering moved by two frets stays in the same scale.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the whole-tone scale have only six notes?
Because six whole steps make exactly one octave (6 × 2 = 12 half steps). After six steps of a whole tone you land back on the starting note, an octave up.
What is the difference between the whole-tone and altered scales?
Both contain the 3, #4 (or ♭5), #5 and ♭7. The altered scale adds ♭9 and #9, while whole tone keeps the natural 9. Over C7#5 with D in the melody, choose whole tone.
Is the whole-tone scale used in rock or metal?
Occasionally: a few notes in a fast descending run create an eerie tension before you drop back into the pentatonic. It is far more common in jazz and film music.
Related terms
Practise in the workshop
Take it from theory to the fretboard
Open the workshop tools and see this idea across the whole neck. Free account, no card needed.