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