Whole Tone Piano Scales

The whole tone scale is a six-note symmetric scale consisting entirely of whole steps (whole tones). It follows the interval pattern: whole, whole, whole, whole, whole, whole (W-W-W-W-W-W), or 2-2-2-2-2-2 in semitones. This completely symmetrical structure creates an ambiguous, dreamy, and floating sound with no clear tonal center. The whole tone scale has been famously used by impressionist composers like Claude Debussy and is commonly found in jazz improvisation over augmented and dominant seventh sharp-five chords. Its surreal, otherworldly quality makes it perfect for creating tension, mystery, or ethereal atmospheres in composition and improvisation. There are only two unique whole tone scales, as each one contains six different starting points.