THEORY HELPERC Whole Tone Scale
Floating, impressionist
What is the C Whole Tone Scale?
The Whole Tone scale consists entirely of whole steps, creating a floating, dreamlike quality with no sense of tonal center. This symmetrical structure divides the octave into six equal parts, producing an otherworldly, impressionistic sound.
Interval Pattern: W-W-W-W-W-W
Scale Notes and Intervals
C Whole Tone
DreamyC 1
D 2
E 3
Gb 4
Ab 5
Bb 6
Notes:
C -D -E -Gb -Ab -Bb
Intervals:
WWWWW W
Keyboard Visualization
How to Play C Whole Tone on Piano
Scale Properties
Mood
DreamyCharacter
Floating, impressionistGenres
Jazz, Film, AmbientNotes in Scale
6 notes: C, D, E, Gb, Ab, BbCategory
SymmetricIntervals
W-W-W-W-W-WHistory and Origins
The Background of the Whole Tone Scale
Championed by Claude Debussy and the French Impressionists in the late 19th century to escape traditional harmony. It became a staple of film music for dream sequences, mystery, and supernatural themes.
Musical Characteristics
Key Features of the C Whole Tone Scale
- Six notes, all whole steps apart
- No half steps - completely symmetrical
- Only two possible whole tone scales exist
- Augmented quality throughout
Famous Songs Using This Scale
Popular Tracks in C Whole Tone
- Voiles - Claude Debussy
- You Are the Sunshine of My Life (intro) - Stevie Wonder
- Dream sequences in countless films
- Superman Theme (specific moments)
Playing Tips
How to Practice the C Whole Tone Scale
Only two whole tone scales exist (C and Db), so transposition is limited. Use over augmented and dominant 7#5 chords. Perfect for creating dreamlike, suspended-in-time feelings.
Circle of Fifths Position
C in the Circle of Fifths
Major
Minor
Selected