The Whole Tone scale is a dreamlike, symmetric six-note scale composed entirely of whole steps. Because it lacks a perfect fifth and a leading tone, it possesses a unique sense of weightlessness and ambiguity, famously associated with Impressionist composers like Debussy.
Construction and formula
The Whole Tone scale follows a constant interval pattern of Whole step - Whole step. This symmetry means the scale is hexatonic (six notes) and perfectly divides the octave into six equal parts.
In C, the notes are: C–D–E–G♭–A♭–B♭.
Its interval formula is: 1–2–3–♯4–♯5–♭7.
Due to its total symmetry, there are only two unique Whole Tone scales; any other starting note will simply yield a transposition of one of these two sets of pitches.
Musical usage
The Whole Tone scale is primarily used over augmented chords (aug) and dominant 7th chords with altered extensions (7♯5 or 7♭5). In jazz, it provides a "floaty" alternative to the Altered scale when improvising over V7 chords.
In film and television, it is the quintessential sound for "dream sequences" or flashbacks because of its lack of a clear tonal center. It creates a state of suspended animation where the ear cannot easily predict a resolution.
Examples
- Improvisation over a G7♯5 chord to create an airy, unresolved tension.
- Impressionist piano works (e.g., Debussy's "Voiles").
- Classic "dream sequence" transitions in film scoring.
- Modern jazz compositions using whole-tone clusters for texture.
In practice
To hear the effect, play a standard dominant 7th chord and replace the perfect 5th with a ♯5. Use the Whole Tone scale to solo over it. Notice how every note feels like it could be the root because the intervals are identical.
Melodically, the scale works best in short bursts. Because of its extreme symmetry, playing it for too long can sound repetitive. Use it to add a moment of "blur" or mystery before resolving to a more stable tonal center.
