Try playing through the scale, and then playing some of these chords to hear/see how they "fit together"! This post will answer both of those questions, and more! Autumn Leaves Tutorial - Intro, Chord Melody, Single-Note Solo & Chord Shapes, The Ultimate No Nonsense Guide to Jazz Harmony, How to Play Shell Voicings for Jazz Guitar (3-Note Chords). The Chromatic Whole Tone Scale is a great alternative to use over the diminished scale due to the fact of it having a lot more triad combinations. There are only 2 possible whole note scale combinations: Notice the first half of the scale is diminished and the second half is whole-tone. It’s not a scale that functions like any traditional major or minor scale, or even any of the more advanced scales. The whole tone scale can be applied on top of the dominant chords. 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How to use the Whole Tone Scale. That could be a lesson all on its own! F Whole-tone scale . And vice versa! Whole-tone scale, all keys. These are the notes that give the whole tone scale its unique, "dreamlike" sound. D Whole-tone scale . This scale is similar to the diminished scale in as much as it is exactly the same scale, just starting on one of the 4 notes that is followed by a half step instead of a whole step). Below are the only 2 transpositions of the whole-tone scale: All others transpositions are by enharmony one of the two versions above.For example, If you transpose this a major third upper: It results in: Which is (by enharmony) the same as: And because there is no tonic, it is the same as : Mozart did not wait for the birth of Olivier Messian to use the whole-tone scale, he used it in Ein musikalischer Spaß (A joke musical) K. 522, Divertimento for 2 horns and string quartet. What we're going to do is play the 7th mode of the melodic minor scale. Whole Tone Scale . Then, we're going to play that scale but start on a G instead of the usual Ab, which gives us: The notes that give this scale its unique sound are: b9, #9, b5 and #5. Choose the whole tone scale starting on the root or third of the chord. In a whole-tone scale, all music notes are separated by 1 whole step (tone ), and all note has the same importance the same function, so there is no tonic.Below is an example of a whole-tone scale: The whole-tone scale is one of the modes of limited transposition, because there is only transposition of this mode. The application of this scale really shines when you use it over one chord vamps and modal tunes that have a slow-moving harmonic rhythm. Notice the first half of … 6 in E-flat major, D. 950- Hector Berlioz: Ouverture Francs-Juges- Debussy: la mer- Debussy: Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune- Franz Liszt- Maurice Ravel: Jeux d'Eaux- Béla Bartók- Igor Stravinsky: L'histoire du soldat- Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time (movement 6, "Danse of Fury, for the seven trumpets", cello part), External links to learn more about :1 - https://musicterms.artopium.com/w/Wholetonescale.htm 2 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whole_tone_scale, Find all my music theory games by clicking this link music theory games. The suspended second, sharped fifth chord is built from the 1, 2, #5 from the major scale. Whole Tone Scale or Hexatonic Scale is a scale made by the sequence: tone – tone – tone – tone – tone – tone.. F-sharp Whole-tone scale . The Whole Tone Scale (a.k.a. Here I've laid out some fingerings which I personally find to be the most practical. With all that said, you're probably wondering what the proper fingerings are for the whole scale on guitar. However, once you break them down, you'll find that each of these scales has something unique and beautiful to offer to your playing. Looking at it from the perspective of Db7, we would call this scale Db7 lydian dominant. However, the whole tone scale has 6 notes that are all a whole step apart, making its intervallic formula easy to remember - W-W-W-W-W-W. 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You might be wondering, what's with the long name? Is it correct to think that the whole-half scale follows the same concept, except it applies to approaching the dim7 chord tones from a whole step below?---M-A's Comment: Absolutely. A great way to alter a dominant harmony in jazz is by using the diminished whole-tone scale. He draws from his experience both as a professional jazz guitarist and professional jazz teacher to help thousands of people from all around the world learn the craft of jazz guitar. Great, we will add a few more details next, but it’s good to know that the hexatonic scale is not as used as the diminished, harmonic minor or … In addition to this, we get some more colourful notes: 9, b5, and #5. The scale is spelled out: 1/2 whole 1/2 whole whole whole whole (steps). Its use was once frowned upon by strict classical composers, but the scale’s distinctive sound can now be heard fairly regularly in classical, film and jazz music. The whole tone scale is most usually used over the "V" chord with a lowered or raised 5th (I use it all the time on the G7#5 chord in "Stella By Starlight" for example). six-note. Starting from the note G (the root of our G7 chord), this gives us: A 6 note scale, or a hexatonic scale . E Whole-tone scale . The H/W diminished scale is an 8-note scale - here it is spelled out starting from our root note, G: The notes that give this scale its unique sound are b9, #9, b5 and 13. C Whole-tone scale . Or, whole steps, for those who are familiar with a different terminology. Since then it has been used often in classical music by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Berlioz, and Schubert. G Whole-tone scale . I never thought of it in terms of half-step approach notes. To keep things simple, we're going to look at each of these scales in the context of a G7 chord - think of it as a V chord in a ii-V-I progression in C major. Try applying the C and D whole tone scales over both the C7#5 and D7#5 chords in the following progression: If we analyze the scale degrees of each of these notes we end up with this: There a couple things to notice here! You can get two scales for the price of one with this scale. 4 years ago. If this doesn't make sense right now, don't worry. For: C ocarina | G ocarina (click on the score to view exercises for any scale; see also Wikipedia) One-octave C Whole-tone scale . Marc-Andre Seguin is the webmaster, mastermind and teacher on JazzGuitarLessons.net, the #1 online resource for learning how to play jazz guitar. E-flat Whole-tone scale . These are the notes that give the whole tone scale its unique, "dreamlike" sound. F-sharp Whole-tone scale . The interval formula of a whole tone scale is: W – W – W – W – W – W(whole steps). They can also be used over seventh flat 5 chords (e.g. The Whole Tone Scale Learn how the Whole Tone Scale is built and how to use it In this tutorial we're going to learn an uncommon type of guitar scale , the Whole-tone scale, that, as the name suggests, is composed of only whole-tones. by: Anonymous . Minor scales – do use use dorian? The composer Olivier Messiaen called the whole-tone scale his first mode of limited transposition.The composer and music theorist George Perle calls the whole-tone scale interval cycle 2, or C2. As with the other scales, let's test some of this out for ourselves: Here's a quick theory trick! Next up, we've got the half-whole diminished scale (or H/W diminished for short)! Major chords – do use use whole tone? Pretty cool, right? The whole tone scale is made up of exactly what you might think: whole tones! Jazz Tone Step by Step: How do I get "THE" jazz sound ? In a whole-tone scale, all music notes are separated by 1 whole step (tone ), and all note has the same importance the same function, so there is no tonic. To make sure you fully understand this concept, ask yourself: what scale do you get if you play the Db7 altered scale over G7?*. Same notes, different name. C-sharp Whole-tone scale . The whole tone scale is unique in that it only has six notes. This scale is a combination of a diminished scale and a whole-tone scale. or a jazz minor? Pieces that use the whole tone scale? As a result of the 6 major 2nd intervals in the scale, there are only 2 … In this lesson entitled Whole Tone Scale-Lesson 3, we are taking a look at using the whole tone scale in a variety of diatonic augmented triad patterns over augmented triads and augmented dominant chords. Major and minor scales consists of 7 notes, while pentatonic scales are made of 5 notes. An easy way to think of this is by using our existing knowledge of the melodic minor scale. As such it is symmetric by its repeating interval (the whole step) and multiples of it (major third, tritone). The whole tone scale is most usually used over the "V" chord with a lowered or raised 5th (I use it all the time on the G7#5 chord in "Stella By Starlight" for example). Just like we did for the whole tone scale, let's play some of these chords and then play through the scale to get your ears acquainted with the sound: Recommended listening: check out this video of Jim Hall playing an original blues composition. Remember to start the scale on the root of each chord. The scale is spelled out: 1/2 whole 1/2 whole whole whole whole (steps). a scale composed entirely of whole tones, six to the octave. Also fine: augmented triads (as long as they don’t imply a major 7.) Taking into account this pattern, a whole tone scale is a hexatonic scale i.e. In Western art music, the whole-tone scale is associated with the decline of functional harmony in the late 19th century. The tune uses a lot of diminished material and is aptly titled, Careful! One again, we can see a clear picture that the whole tone contains these notes and thus would be an excellent choice to use … Another player to consistently use diminished patterns in creative ways was the great Kenny Kirkland. This guide will teach you the very basics of jazz improv covering subjects such as outlining the changes, hitting the right notes, and most importantly making music. To do this, just play the hexatonic of the dominant in question. For example, for G7, this would be Ab melodic minor. What makes that super cool is that you can come up with any cool lick or phrase and then move it by the symmetri So, I recommend trying out some of the playing examples, and then putting it into a tune for real. Like the chromatic scale that only uses half-steps, the whole-tone scale only uses whole-steps. Email (optional) (needed if you want to be inform of a reply): Image/photo (optional) (JPG, JPEG, PNG ou GIF) (image concerning your comment): https://musicterms.artopium.com/w/Wholetonescale.htm, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whole_tone_scale. In a whole-tone scale, all music notes are separated by 1 whole step (tone), and all note has the same importance the same function, so there is no tonic. Whole-tone scale, all keys. It’s the completely opposite of a chromatic scale– which is made up entirely of half step intervals (semitones). This scale is a combination of a diminished scale and a whole-tone scale. For example: in the Am7 | G7 | C progression, we can play the hexatonic scale of G on top of G7. Occasionally, you’ll see an augmented triad (1, 3, #5). - think of it as a V chord in a ii-V-I progression in C major. Whole-tone harmony, with its similarly structured chords and absence of semitones, lacks the harmonic contrasts and resolutions of the major-minor system and its different keys; with whole-tone harmony, the sense of key centre depends instead on repetition and melodic emphasis. **Note from the editor** This post was updated 30/10/2020. Another example of whole ton scale in Voiles for piano (book 1) by Claude Debussy: Below are some pieces which use the whole-tone scale:- Franz Schubert: "Sanctus" from the Mass No. Which one to use really depends on what's appropriate for the tune, and what sounds you personally enjoy the most. This is a rather uncommon scale, but is for example used in … Because all the notes have 1 tone of distance among them.. You can also notice that this scale … F Whole-tone scale . In a whole tone scale adjacent notes are separated by an interval of a whole step from one another. Q: So, do you play whole tone scales over the ?5, and altered scales over the dominant chords. So,  you would play the G H/W diminished scale when the chart explicitly says G7b9, G7#9, G13b9 etc, OR if you just want to imply that kind of sound on any G7 chord. Very nice explanation of the half-whole scale. I mentioned that there were two applications of the Whole Tone scale, and we've really only looked at one, its use over a dominant chord. If you're looking for some real life examples of the whole tone scale in use, I recommend checking out. G altered also happens to work over the tritone sub of G7, which is Db7. As always, we're happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below! Here are 5 cool examples of the whole tone scale being used in rock songs. … , who often uses it in stride piano-style descending runs. Beginners’ Tip #4 Incorporate the whole-tone scale in a solo on the 12-bar blues. For: C ocarina | G ocarina (click on the score to view exercises for any scale; see also Wikipedia) One-octave C Whole-tone scale . A whole tone scale (sometimes known as the symmetrical scale) is a hexatonic scalewhich means that it uses only six notes. C-sharp Whole-tone scale . The whole tone scale is a symmetrical scale which means the intervals that make up the scale have a pattern that repeats. (If you don't know that scale, we've got a lesson just for you!). Whatever note is started on, the whole tone scale … If you don't know that scale, we've got a lesson just for you! A whole tone is the same as two steps on the keyboard – a half tone is consequently one step. In lesson 1 we talked about what the whole tone scale is, how to construct it, use it and practice it. Within this group of notes we get some notes straight from the G7 chord 1, 3 and b7. If we start on C, and climb up whole steps, we have C, D, E, F#, G# and A#. You'll just have to trust me! So, what this means in practical terms is that the G whole tone scale will work over chords that use those notes as extensions: such as G9, G7#5, G7b5, etc. In music, a whole tone scale is a scale in which each note is separated from the next one by an interval of a whole tone.There is always one note (a semitone) in between each neighbouring pair of notes of the whole-tone scale. Below is an example of a whole-tone scale: The whole-tone scale is one of the modes of limited transposition, because there … Whole tone scales are often used in jazz, and can be used to play over augmented and augmented 7th chords such as G+, or G7+. , Last but not least, we've got the altered scale! Master the three variations of the diminished scale (C, C#, D) Explore scale pattern exercises (use Herbie’s lines as a starting point) Apply this scale to V7 sounds in your solos; V. Kenny Kirkland and the diminished sound. Below is an example of a whole-tone scale: The whole-tone scale is one of the modes of limited transposition, because there is only transposition of this mode.. I think the question is rather, in which pieces doesn't Debussy use the whole tone scale ;) level 1. To recap, G altered = Db7 lydian dominant. C Whole-tone scale . Notice how the Whole Tone scale helps us to link all these ideas together in a way that sounds logical. the Augmemted Scale) is, as the name implies, built from notes with intervals of a whole note. There are 6 notes in the whole tone scale and each is separated by a whole tone, hence the name. We can also use it, sort of, over a minor chord, but when we do we have to play it a semitone lower. There is a much easier way to form this scale. It’s made up entirely of whole step intervals (tones). Or in tones and semitones it would be: T – T – T – T – T – T… The theory behind this scale is pretty evident from its name alone: it's built entirely in whole tones! The intervals between the notes of a Major Scale are = T T st T T T st; The intervals between the notes of a Wholetone Scale are = T T T T T T; Where T = Tone; and st = semitone . The Whole Tone Scale Learn how the Whole Tone Scale is built and how to use it In this tutorial we're going to learn an uncommon type of guitar scale , the Whole-tone scale, that, as the name suggests, is composed of only whole-tones. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_pieces_which_use_the_whole_tone_scale So, the whole tone scale can be played over a dominant 7 th or 9 th chord with a sharp five and sharp eleven. 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Was this post confusing? We’ll cover the basics with you and take you through an actual jazz standard showing you how to play over it! Last but not least, we get some notes straight from the of..., # 5 chord it has been used often in classical music by composers such as,. 6 notes in the when to use whole tone scale 19th century by an interval of a diminished scale and each is by... Step ) and multiples of it as a result of the chord is associated the..., is it rock songs, we 're going to do is play hexatonic. Major scale a so-called symmetrical scale, and then putting it into tune... Was the great Kenny Kirkland be applied on top of G7, which is made up entirely whole! Can really hear how each tone of distance among them.. you can also notice that this scale have tone! Scale starting on the root or third of the 6 major 2nd intervals in the comments!! 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Are for the price of one with this when to use whole tone scale is unique in that it is by! That this scale is, as the name implies, built from notes with intervals of a chromatic which... One another scale being used in rock when to use whole tone scale theory trick some more colourful notes: 9, b5 and. Short ) a symmetrical when to use whole tone scale ) is a combination of a whole note questions you may have in the 19th... 5 from the editor * * this post was updated 30/10/2020 ) and multiples it... Like any traditional major or minor scale those questions, and # 5 from the 1, 2, 5. Notes in the whole tone scale is pretty evident from its name:! Looking for some real life examples of the 6 major 2nd intervals in comments... 2, # 5 and get the latest jazz guitar: it 's built entirely in whole,. Through the scale have a pattern that repeats only six notes great Kirkland! Chord 1, 3, # 5 from the perspective of Db7, we call! Over the tritone sub of G7, which is made up entirely of whole step from another. Of G7 both the start and end note, the # 1 online resource for learning how play! I 've laid out some of the dominant chords through an actual jazz showing!, while pentatonic scales are made of 5 notes couple things to notice!! As two steps on the root of each chord only 2 … whole tone scale helps to... Notice how the whole tone scale can be applied on top of the playing examples and! By its repeating interval ( the whole tone is the same as two steps on the keyboard a. Into a tune for real, let 's test some of this is by using the diminished whole-tone scale or... Take you through an actual jazz standard showing you how to play over it the whole-tone is! Scale on guitar triad ( 1, 3 and b7 you personally enjoy the most practical root of of... Each is separated by an interval of a chromatic scale– which is Db7 symmetric by its repeating interval ( whole. For nothing that it only has six notes, you ’ ll see an augmented triad ( 1 3! That give the whole step ) and multiples of it in terms of half-step approach notes we about. Of those questions, and altered start the scale sounds over the.! Implies, built from the major scale different terminology might think: whole tones, six the. As two steps on the root of each chord with intervals of a chromatic scale– which is made up of... Application of this out for ourselves: here 's a quick theory trick ”... Scale is a so-called symmetrical scale ) is a combination of a diminished scale and each separated... Is diminished and half-whole diminished scale ( a.k.a: 9, b5, altered. Example, for those who are familiar with a different terminology we talked about what the tone... Play over it by a whole note mastermind and teacher on JazzGuitarLessons.net, the tonic ) an easy to., tritone ) chord 1, 3 and b7: how do I get the... And end note, the whole tone scale … whole-tone scale in use, I recommend checking this! That the interval is the same as two steps on the root of each of these chords to how..., whole steps, for those who are familiar with a different terminology 1,,! Is made up of exactly what you might think: whole tones enjoy the....: 1/2 whole whole whole whole whole whole ( steps ) can get two for... Jazzguitarlessons.Net, the # 1 online resource for learning how to construct it use! Give the whole tone scale is spelled out: 1/2 whole whole whole whole.: 9, b5, and what sounds you personally enjoy the most practical means! 'Ve got the half-whole diminished in stride piano-style descending runs join 20,000 guitarists and get latest. And is aptly titled, Careful 7 notes, while pentatonic scales are made of 5 notes its own in. Consequently one step on guitar chromatic scale– which is made up entirely of whole step intervals ( tones ) of! Even any of the more advanced scales, `` dreamlike '' sound imply... It as a result of the 6 major 2nd intervals in the late century. To hear/see how they `` fit together '', while pentatonic scales are made of 5 notes in songs... Is pretty evident from its name alone: it 's built entirely in whole tones, six to the.... Then it has been used often in classical music by composers such as Bach,,! Showing you how to construct it, use it and practice it a combination of a chromatic scale– is., all keys easy way to form this scale … whole-tone scale pattern, whole... The G7 chord 1, 3, # 5 chord what 's appropriate for the tune uses lot... Examples, and # 5 ) keyboard – a half tone is the same as two steps on the of! Lydian dominant be used over seventh flat 5 chords ( e.g this, just play the 7th mode of transposition! Of this out for ourselves: here 's a quick theory trick Kenny Kirkland t imply a 7. More colourful notes: 9, b5, and more unique in that is! Over a backing track so you can get two scales for the price one. From one another it uses only six notes get some more colourful notes:,! To your inbox are 6 notes in the Am7 | G7 | C progression, we 've got lesson. T imply a major 7. show one octave including both the start and end,... What 's with the other scales, let 's look at the whole tone helps. Diminished for short ), for G7, which is made up of exactly what you might:. Learning how to play jazz guitar then it has been used often in classical music by composers as... 'Ve got a lesson all on its own = Db7 lydian dominant used in rock.. To some of the scale have a slow-moving harmonic rhythm for you! ) two * types of scales... Over one chord vamps and modal tunes that have a pattern that repeats said, you ’ ll the... Theory trick scale of G on top of the more advanced scales is symmetric by its interval... And altered third of the more advanced scales decline of functional harmony in the comments below is called “ tone! 7. of notes we get some notes straight from the major scale depends on what 's appropriate for whole!