D whole tone scale: notes, formula and fretboard

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

D whole tone

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

Notes and intervals

Note
Degree
D
1
E
2
F#
3
G#
#4
A#
#5
C
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 D whole tone scale?

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

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 D whole tone scale?

The D whole tone scale has 3 sharps.