Bb whole tone scale: notes, formula and fretboard

›

Bb whole tone

The Bb whole tone / A# whole tone scale has 6 notes: Bb, C, D, E, F# and Ab. 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.

Bb whole tone

Bb C D E F# Ab · 1 2 3 #4 #5 b7

Colored dots: notes of the scale, the root is the darkest.

Notes and intervals

Note

Degree

Same notes (modes and relatives)

C whole tone D whole tone E whole tone F# whole tone Ab whole tone

Other Bb scales

Bb major Bb natural minor Bb harmonic minor Bb melodic minor Bb major pentatonic Bb minor pentatonic Bb blues Bb dorian Bb phrygian Bb lydian

Neighbouring scales (fifth and fourth)

F whole tone Eb whole tone

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:

Open the chords Open the scales All chords and scales

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the Bb whole tone scale?

The notes of the Bb whole tone scale are Bb, C, D, E, F# and Ab.

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 Bb whole tone scale?

The Bb whole tone scale has 1 sharp and 2 flats.

Help and FAQ Privacy Contact