fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON CLARINET IN BB

D𝄫 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 D𝄫 Whole Tone
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 4 5 title D𝄫 Whole Tone
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Playback sounds a major 2nd below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.

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

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
D𝄫regregG♯G♯AAC♯C♯EEF♯F♯E♭E♭BBFFA♭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 D𝄫 Whole Tone scale?

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

What chords work over D𝄫 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 D𝄫 Whole Tone on Clarinet in Bb?

On woodwinds, scales train fingering coordination + breath support + register changes. Pay particular attention to the break (the register-key transition); slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation issues across the break.

When would I use the Whole Tone scale?

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