E whole tone scale: notes, formula and fretboard

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

E whole tone

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

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

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 E whole tone scale?

The E whole tone scale has 3 sharps.