fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON BASSOON (TENOR CLEF)

A Whole Tone

Six whole-tone steps — symmetric. Debussy's signature colour; floats without resolving.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title A Whole Tone Verovio
Keyboard
ABE♯F𝄪ABE♯F𝄪ABE♯F𝄪AC♯D♯C♯D♯C♯D♯
Related scales
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
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Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the A Whole Tone scale?

The A Whole Tone scale uses the notes A, B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F𝄪 (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Whole Tone scale formula?

The Whole Tone scale follows the interval pattern W W W W W W, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on A to get the A Whole Tone scale.

What chords work over A Whole Tone?

Try chord pairings derived from the scale's third, fifth, and seventh degrees as roots — they share the most diatonic notes.

How do I finger A Whole Tone on Bassoon (tenor clef)?

On double reeds, scales train reed control + register changes + the half-hole / full-hole register transition. Slow practice exposes pitch instability the player can correct with embouchure.

When would I use the Whole Tone scale?

Six whole-tone steps — symmetric. Debussy's signature colour; floats without resolving.