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The whole tone scale is a unique musical scale that consists entirely of whole steps. Unlike major or minor scales, it has a symmetrical and ambiguous sound, often used in jazz, impressionist music, and modern compositions. Understanding the patterns within this scale can help musicians and students create more interesting melodies and harmonies.
What Is the Whole Tone Scale?
The whole tone scale is made up of six notes, each separated by a whole step. Because each interval is the same, the scale has a distinctive, dream-like quality. It can start on any note, but the pattern remains consistent: whole step, whole step, whole step, and so on.
Basic Pattern of the Whole Tone Scale
The fundamental pattern of the whole tone scale is simple:
- Start on a root note.
- Move up a whole step to the next note.
- Repeat the whole step until the scale completes six notes.
For example, starting on C:
- C
- D
- E
- F♯
- G♯
- A♯
Common Patterns and Symmetries
The scale’s symmetrical structure leads to several interesting patterns:
- Intervallic Symmetry: Each step is a whole tone, creating a uniform pattern.
- Augmented Triads: Combining notes from the scale often results in augmented chords, which are built of two stacked major thirds.
- Scale Transposition: Moving the entire scale up or down by a whole step produces a new, equivalent scale starting on a different note.
Examples of Whole Tone Scale Patterns
Here are some easy examples to visualize common patterns:
Pattern 1: Ascending Whole Tone Scale
Start on C and move up in whole steps:
- C
- D
- E
- F♯
- G♯
- A♯
Pattern 2: Descending Whole Tone Scale
Start on A♯ and move down in whole steps:
- A♯
- G♯
- F♯
- E
- D
- C
Using the Whole Tone Scale in Composition
The scale’s ambiguous and dreamy sound makes it ideal for creating tension or a surreal atmosphere. Composers often use it to evoke a sense of mystery or otherworldliness. Experiment with the scale by improvising melodies or harmonies based on the patterns discussed above.
Summary
The whole tone scale is characterized by its uniform intervals and symmetrical patterns. Recognizing these patterns can help musicians incorporate this scale into their compositions and improvisations, adding a distinctive flavor to their music. Practice ascending and descending patterns to become more comfortable with its sound and structure.