B Whole tone scale
A six-note symmetric scale built entirely from whole tones; it lacks semitone tendencies and a clear major or minor centre.
Octaves
Musical context
How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Name
- B Whole tone scale
- Family
- Symmetric scales
- Note count
- 6
- Step formula
- W – W – W – W – W – W
- Numeric formula
- 0-2-2-2-2-2-2
Notes & degrees
1Broot
2C#major 2nd
3D#major 3rd
#4E#aug 4th
#5Gaug 5th
b7Aminor 7th
Construction
- Overview
- A six-note symmetric scale built entirely from whole tones; it lacks semitone tendencies and a clear major or minor centre.
- Application in music
- With no semitones, the tonal centre must be established by context. The scale pairs with augmented triads and dominant #5 chords.
- Interval formula
- BWC#WD#WE#WGWA
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IBnominal centretonic
Typical resolutions & tensions
IBB
IIC#C#
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.
This scale on guitar 🎸
See how B Whole tone scale looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.
Connections
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.