Root & scale

A# whole tone

A♯

I

B♯

II

C𝄪

III

D𝄪

#IV

E𝄪

#V

F𝄪#

#VI

Fretboard positions

select a scale fingering system to highlight fretting positions

D𝄪4
F
E𝄪
G
F𝄪#
A
A♯
B
B♯
C♯
C𝄪
D♯
D𝄪
F
E𝄪
G
F𝄪#
A
A♯
B
B♯
C♯
C𝄪
D♯
B3
B♯
C♯
C𝄪
D♯
D𝄪
F
E𝄪
G
F𝄪#
A
A♯
B
B♯
C♯
C𝄪
D♯
D𝄪
F
E𝄪
G
F𝄪#
A
A♯
G3
F𝄪#
A
A♯
B
B♯
C♯
C𝄪
D♯
D𝄪
F
E𝄪
G
F𝄪#
A
A♯
B
B♯
C♯
C𝄪
D♯
D𝄪
F
E𝄪
C𝄪3
D♯
D𝄪
F
E𝄪
G
F𝄪#
A
A♯
B
B♯
C♯
C𝄪
D♯
D𝄪
F
E𝄪
G
F𝄪#
A
A♯
B
B♯
C♯
A2
A♯
B
B♯
C♯
C𝄪
D♯
D𝄪
F
E𝄪
G
F𝄪#
A
A♯
B
B♯
C♯
C𝄪
D♯
D𝄪
F
E𝄪
G
F𝄪#
D𝄪2
F
E𝄪
G
F𝄪#
A
A♯
B
B♯
C♯
C𝄪
D♯
D𝄪
F
E𝄪
G
F𝄪#
A
A♯
B
B♯
C♯
C𝄪
D♯
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
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21
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23

Listen to the A# whole tone scale

bpm: 120
start at and

How to use the A# whole tone scale

The Whole Tone scale is a symmetrical scale consisting of whole steps between each note. It provides a dreamy and ambiguous sound used in impressionist and modern music.

tip
  • The Whole Tone scale is made entirely of whole steps, creating a floating, ambiguous sound that works well in jazz and modern classical music.
  • Use the Whole Tone scale to solo over augmented chords or dominant 7th chords with a raised 5th, focusing on the symmetrical nature of the scale for fluid improvisation.
  • Incorporate this scale into film music or sound design to create an eerie, dream-like atmosphere. Its lack of a tonal center is perfect for building tension.
  • Practice shifting positions while soloing with the Whole Tone scale to create smooth, cascading lines that flow across the neck.
  • Blend the Whole Tone scale with diminished or augmented scales to create unique harmonic textures in jazz fusion and experimental music.