The Whole Tone Scale

As the name suggests, this scale comprises of a sequence of whole tones (1 tone = 2 consecutive half steps on the keyboard).

If we apply this scale across all 12 keys, we see that two different shapes using the same black and white notes occur. The first shape group includes C, D, E, F#, G#, A# and the second shape includes B, C#, D#, F, G, A. Just like the chromatic scale within each group the only difference for each of these scales would be the tonic/starting and finishing point of a scale. When you practice this scale observe the sound and mood of this scale. This sound, for me is iconic to a flashback or dream sequence in classic sitcom music; it is unusual and hypnotic.

APPLICATION IN MUSIC

1. A whole tone scale fragment (small segment of scale) could be used to improvise over a dominant chord, ascending from the tonic