fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON BASSOON

C♭ Whole Tone

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

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 3 title C♭ Whole Tone
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 4 5 title C♭ Whole Tone
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

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

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
C♭DDCCAAC♯C♯wwB♭B♭BBCCDDE♭E♭E♭E♭C♯C♯B♭B♭EEF♯F♯A♭A♭FFA♭A♭
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 C♭ Whole Tone scale?

The C♭ Whole Tone scale uses the notes C♭, D♭, E♭, F, G, A (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 C♭ to get the C♭ Whole Tone scale.

What chords work over C♭ 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 C♭ Whole Tone on Bassoon?

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.