D Whole Tone
Six whole-tone steps — symmetric. Debussy's signature colour; floats without resolving.
Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)
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 Viola?
On bowed strings, scales train both fingering and bow technique. First-position fingerings cover most scales up to one octave; second-, third-, and fourth-position shifts unlock the higher register. The 1-2-3-4 finger pattern adapts to the half-step + whole-step positions per scale.
When would I use the Whole Tone scale?
Six whole-tone steps — symmetric. Debussy's signature colour; floats without resolving.