The whole tone scale is a six-note scale made entirely of whole steps, offering unique harmonic possibilities. It’s especially useful for creating tension, crafting augmented chords, and improvising over complex progressions. Here’s a quick overview of its five main uses:
- Add Tension to Dominant 7th Chords: Use #11 and #5 intervals to create dissonance and resolve smoothly.
- Build Augmented Dominant Chords: Highlight the #5 to create bold harmonic colors.
- Modulate Between Keys: Leverage its symmetry for smooth transitions.
- Improvise Over Altered Chords: Perfect for creating modern, abstract solo lines.
- Create Ambiguous Harmonic Textures: Use its lack of tonal center for mysterious, unresolved soundscapes.
This scale is a versatile tool for jazz, blues, and even rock, helping you add depth and complexity to your music. Let’s explore these uses in detail.
How to Use The Whole Tone Scale
1. Adding Tension to Dominant 7th Chords
The whole tone scale adds a layer of tension to dominant 7th chords by introducing sharp intervals like #11 and #5. This makes it a go-to tool in jazz and blues. For example, when you play a G whole tone scale (G, A, B, C#, D#, F) over a G7 chord, these altered notes create a sense of dissonance that begs for resolution.
Here’s a quick reference for applying the whole tone scale over dominant chords:
| Chord Type | Whole Tone Scale Notes | Key Tension Notes |
|---|---|---|
| G7 | G, A, B, C#, D#, F | C# (#11), D# (#5) |
| D7 | D, E, F#, G#, A#, C | G# (#11), A# (#5) |
| A7 | A, B, C#, D#, F, G | D# (#11), F (#5) |
Instead of running the scale from top to bottom, focus on key moments where #11 and #5 can stand out. This approach works especially well in jazz, where altered dominant chords appear frequently [1][3].
Keep in mind: tension only works when it resolves. The dissonance from the whole tone scale shines most when it transitions back to stable chord tones. This back-and-forth creates the dynamic movement that jazz and blues thrive on.
Want to take it further? Experiment with different rhythms while highlighting those tension notes. Start with simple licks that emphasize one or two altered tones, then gradually add complexity as you grow comfortable.
Beyond adding tension, the whole tone scale is also a powerful tool for building augmented dominant chords, opening up even more creative possibilities.
2. Building Augmented Dominant 7th Chords
The whole tone scale is a great tool for crafting augmented dominant 7th chords due to its distinctive interval structure. Take the G7#5 chord as an example – it fits seamlessly with the G whole tone scale (G, A, B, C#, D#, F), where the #5 (D#) stands out as a key tonal feature.
Here’s how you can construct augmented dominant 7th chords using the whole tone scale:
| Root Note | Chord Symbol | Whole Tone Scale Notes | Key Chord Tones |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | G7#5 | G, A, B, C#, D#, F | G (root), B (3rd), D# (#5), F (b7) |
| D | D7#5 | D, E, F#, G#, A#, C | D (root), F# (3rd), A# (#5), C (b7) |
| A | A7#5 | A, B, C#, D#, F, G | A (root), C# (3rd), F (#5), G (b7) |
To bring out the augmented sound, focus on the #5 interval in your chord voicings. You can also highlight the #5 in melodic lines before resolving to more stable tones. This technique adds depth and complexity to your harmonic approach.
The tension created by the whole tone scale is amplified in augmented dominant 7th chords, giving them a bold and striking character. Thanks to the symmetrical layout of the whole tone scale, these chords can be shifted up or down the neck in whole steps, making harmonic transitions smooth and effortless.
This versatility opens the door to using the whole tone scale as a tool for modulation, which we’ll dive into next.
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3. Using the Scale for Modulation
The whole tone scale, with its symmetrical structure, offers a way to create tonal ambiguity and smooth modulations between keys, especially when paired with augmented dominant chords.
Here’s how you can use the whole tone scale for modulation on guitar:
| Starting Key | Modulation Path | Resolution Key |
|---|---|---|
| C major | G whole tone → G7#5 | C major |
| C major | E whole tone → E7#5 | A major |
To modulate, focus on the dominant chord leading to your target key and play the whole tone scale from its root. This builds tension that resolves naturally into the new key. The raised fifth (#5) interval acts as a pivot, making the transition feel smooth and intentional.
On guitar, try sliding whole tone scale patterns up or down the neck to experiment with key changes. Its symmetrical nature eliminates tonal anchors, opening up possibilities for unexpected shifts. The key is in the balance – the scale’s tension works best when resolved effectively.
For jazz guitarists, this technique is especially useful when navigating intricate progressions. Use the whole tone scale over dominant seventh chords with a raised fifth (7#5) for fluid modulations that connect harmonic ideas.
Keep in mind that whole tone modulations are most effective when used sparingly. They’re meant to create brief tension that enhances your resolution, not to linger in an ambiguous harmonic space for too long.
If you want to dive deeper into these concepts, TrueFire offers lessons from top jazz educators, exploring advanced harmonic techniques. Mastering the whole tone scale can add a powerful tool to your improvisation toolkit, especially when tackling complex progressions.
4. Improvising Over Complex Chords
The whole tone scale isn’t just useful for harmony – it’s also a great tool for soloing over tricky chords. Thanks to its even spacing between notes, it’s particularly handy when dealing with altered dominant chords.
Take altered dominant 7th chords, for example. If you’re soloing over a G7#5 chord, using the whole tone scale highlights both the #11 and #5 intervals. This creates a modern, abstract vibe that fits perfectly in contemporary jazz.
Here’s a quick guide to applying the whole tone scale in your solos:
| Chord Type | Scale Application | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Dom7#5 | Whole tone from root | Highlights altered tensions |
| Dom7#11 | Whole tone from fifth | Produces a floating, open sound |
| Altered dominant | Whole tone from third | Adds harmonic ambiguity |
A great example of this in action is McCoy Tyner’s work in Wayne Shorter’s "Juju." Tyner uses the whole tone scale over altered dominant chords to build tension and add depth to the progression. It’s a masterclass in how this scale can elevate solos while maintaining a sense of structure.
To get comfortable with the scale, start by practicing it over a static chord. Focus on the augmented fourth and fifth intervals – they’re key to the scale’s distinctive tension. Once you’re confident, try it over more complex progressions. The real magic happens when you resolve the tension intentionally.
If you’re a guitarist, platforms like TrueFire offer lessons that break down how to use the whole tone scale in jazz improvisation. These lessons can help you build the skills you need to seamlessly incorporate the scale into your playing, especially when tackling challenging progressions.
And the scale isn’t just for solos – it’s also a great way to create harmonically ambiguous textures. We’ll dive into that next.
5. Creating Ambiguous Harmonic Sounds
The whole tone scale, with its symmetrical structure and lack of tonal center, is perfect for crafting mysterious, unresolved soundscapes. Without the usual tonal anchors of major or minor scales, guitarists can create textures that challenge traditional harmonic expectations.
For example, over a G7#5 chord, the G whole tone scale highlights the #5 and #11, producing a suspended, floating effect [1]. This is ideal for adding tension without a clear resolution, making it a go-to tool for modern harmonic exploration.
Here’s how you can experiment with ambiguous harmonic textures:
| Technique | Application | Sonic Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Static/Parallel Harmony | Play the whole tone scale over augmented chords or shift patterns by whole steps | Produces cascading, floating textures |
| Harmonic Shifts | Alternate between whole tone and diatonic scales | Adds movement without clear modulations |
A great example of this technique is in Stevie Wonder’s "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life." The intro uses the whole tone scale over a G7 chord, creating a suspended, almost otherworldly vibe before transitioning into more traditional chords [2]. This use of harmonic ambiguity immediately grabs the listener’s attention.
To try this yourself, hold an augmented chord and explore the whole tone scale. Focus on sustaining notes to create a rich, atmospheric texture rather than crafting distinct melodic lines. The goal is to set a harmonic mood that feels expansive and open-ended.
For a more advanced approach, switch between two whole tone scales a half step apart [3]. This adds a shifting, unpredictable quality that works especially well in experimental or contemporary jazz. These sounds are most effective when used sparingly, acting as transitions or mood-setting elements within a composition.
Wrapping Up
The whole tone scale opens up five distinct ways to expand your harmonic options, from building tension to creating a sense of mystery. Its unique sound gives guitarists exciting tools to explore new musical ideas.
Begin with simple dominant 7th progressions, working on tension and release, before diving into more complex harmonies. The key is understanding how to balance tension and resolution to make the most of the scale’s harmonic possibilities.
For those wanting to dive deeper into advanced harmonic techniques like the whole tone scale, TrueFire offers interactive lessons from top-tier instructors. Their step-by-step courses provide practical exercises and real-world examples to help you seamlessly incorporate these ideas into your playing.
The scale shines brightest when used intentionally to match the mood of the music. Trust your ear to experiment with its sound, whether you’re crafting a jazz solo or adding color to a rock progression. By making it part of your practice routine, you can tap into the full potential of the whole tone scale and take your playing to the next level.