The C whole tone scale has 6 notes: C, D, E, F#, G# and Bb. 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.
C whole tone
C D E F# G# Bb · 1 2 3 #4 #5 b7
Colored dots: notes of the scale, the root is the darkest.
Notes and intervals
Same notes (modes and relatives)
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 C whole tone scale?
The notes of the C whole tone scale are C, D, E, F#, G# and Bb.
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 C whole tone scale?
The C whole tone scale has 2 sharps and 1 flat.