THEORY HELPERD Whole Tone Scale
Floating, impressionist
What is the D 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
D Whole Tone
DreamyD 1
E 2
F# 3
Ab 4
Bb 5
C 6
Notes:
D -E -F# -Ab -Bb -C
Intervals:
WWWWW W
Keyboard Visualization
How to Play D Whole Tone on Piano
Scale Properties
Mood
DreamyCharacter
Floating, impressionistGenres
Jazz, Film, AmbientNotes in Scale
6 notes: D, E, F#, Ab, Bb, CCategory
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 D 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 D 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 D 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
D in the Circle of Fifths
Major
Minor
Selected