Root & scale

D# whole tone

D♯

I

E♯

II

F𝄪

III

G𝄪

#IV

A𝄪

#V

B𝄪

#VI

Fretboard positions

select a scale fingering system to highlight fretting positions

E4
E♯
F♯
F𝄪
G♯
G𝄪
A♯
A𝄪
C
B𝄪
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
F𝄪
G♯
G𝄪
A♯
A𝄪
C
B𝄪
D
D♯
A𝄪3
C
B𝄪
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
F𝄪
G♯
G𝄪
A♯
A𝄪
C
B𝄪
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
F𝄪
G♯
G𝄪
A♯
F𝄪3
G♯
G𝄪
A♯
A𝄪
C
B𝄪
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
F𝄪
G♯
G𝄪
A♯
A𝄪
C
B𝄪
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
D3
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
F𝄪
G♯
G𝄪
A♯
A𝄪
C
B𝄪
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
F𝄪
G♯
G𝄪
A♯
A𝄪
C
B𝄪
G𝄪2
A♯
A𝄪
C
B𝄪
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
F𝄪
G♯
G𝄪
A♯
A𝄪
C
B𝄪
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
F𝄪
G♯
E2
E♯
F♯
F𝄪
G♯
G𝄪
A♯
A𝄪
C
B𝄪
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
F𝄪
G♯
G𝄪
A♯
A𝄪
C
B𝄪
D
D♯
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
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23

Listen to the D# whole tone scale

bpm: 120
start at and

How to use the D# 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.