A whole tone scale: notes, formula and fretboard

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A whole tone
The A whole tone scale has 6 notes: A, B, C#, D#, F and G. Its formula is 1 2 3 #4 #5 b7 and its steps, in tones, are 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1.
The whole tone scale is made only of whole steps: six notes with no sense of a tonic, a floating sound typical of impressionist music.

A whole tone

A B C# D# F G · 1 2 3 #4 #5 b7
FGABFGABFGABC3C4C5C#D#C#D#C#D#
Colored dots: notes of the scale, the root is the darkest.

Notes and intervals

Note
Degree
A
1
B
2
C#
3
D#
#4
F
#5
G
b7

Neighbouring scales (fifth and fourth)

Try it in the app

Hear the chords, play them as a progression, switch instrument, note names (Do Ré Mi or C D E) and theme:

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the A whole tone scale?

The notes of the A whole tone scale are A, B, C#, D#, F and G.

What is the formula of the whole tone scale?

The formula of the whole tone scale is 1 2 3 #4 #5 b7: it is built with the steps 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 (in tones).

How many accidentals are in the A whole tone scale?

The A whole tone scale has 2 sharps.