Whole-Tone Scale
A six-note scale built entirely from whole tones
Category
scales
Pronunciation
HOHL-tohn SKAIL
Origin
English
Length
83 words · 1 min read
About Whole-Tone Scale
The whole-tone scale divides the octave into six equal steps of two semitones each. Because every interval is the same, it has no leading note and no pull towards a tonic, creating a floating, dreamlike quality.
More scales terms
Pentatonic Scale
View all scalesterms →A five-note scale found in musical traditions worldwide
Harmonic Minor ScaleA minor scale with a raised seventh degree, creating a distinctive augmented second between the sixth and seventh notes.
Natural Minor ScaleThe basic minor scale using only the notes of its key signature, without any raised sixth or seventh degrees.
Bebop ScaleA jazz scale that adds one chromatic passing note to a standard seven-note scale, ensuring chord tones fall on strong beats.
Major ScaleA seven-note scale with the pattern tone–tone–semitone–tone–tone–tone–semitone
Antonyms
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 09/04/2026Browse all terms →