A Whole Tone
Six whole-tone steps — symmetric. Debussy's signature colour; floats without resolving.
Playback sounds a major 2nd below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.
Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)
What notes are in the A Whole Tone scale?
The A Whole Tone scale uses the notes A, B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F𝄪 (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 A to get the A Whole Tone scale.
What chords work over A 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 A Whole Tone on Trumpet in Bb?
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.