F♭ Whole Tone
Six whole-tone steps — symmetric. Debussy's signature colour; floats without resolving.
Playback sounds a perfect 5th below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.
Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)
What notes are in the F♭ Whole Tone scale?
The F♭ Whole Tone scale uses the notes F♭, G♭, A♭, B♭, C, D (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 F♭ to get the F♭ Whole Tone scale.
What chords work over F♭ 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 F♭ Whole Tone on French Horn?
On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).
When would I use the Whole Tone scale?
Six whole-tone steps — symmetric. Debussy's signature colour; floats without resolving.