fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON COR ANGLAIS

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

Playback sounds a perfect 5th below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.

Audio source: synthesised in-browser via Tone.js (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
B𝄫8ve8ve8ve28ve2G♯G♯E♭E♭FFBBB♭B♭FFCCC♯C♯E♭E♭
Related scales
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
Compare with
Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the B𝄫 Whole Tone scale?

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

What chords work over B𝄫 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 B𝄫 Whole Tone on Cor Anglais?

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.