fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON TROMBONE

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𝄫1234567partial 2
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — C𝄫 sounds partial 2
partial 1 — A♯1 (+0¢)1partial 2 — A♯2 (+0¢)2partial 3 — F3 (+2¢)3partial 4 — A♯3 (+0¢)4partial 5 — D4 (-14¢)5partial 6 — F4 (+2¢)6partial 7 — G♯4 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — A♯4 (+0¢)8partial 9 — C5 (+4¢)9partial 10 — D5 (-14¢)10partial 11 — E5 (-49¢)11-49¢partial 12 — F5 (+2¢)12
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 Trombone?

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.