The Whole Tone Scale
A scale I absolutely love, that when used in a way that makes sense musically, can really distinguish you as a player. There are many ways in which to play an A Whole Tone scale, but we’ll stick with the 5th fret box position of A used in my other lessons (2 Octaves):
Ascending
Descending
The Box
The Theory
The Whole Tone scale is a hexatonic (6 note) scale where each interval is a whole tone apart, so its intervallic formula would be WWWWWW. Whole tone runs have a dream like quality, particularly because the triads built on whole scale tones would be augmented (First, Third and sharpened or augmented Fifth). Whole tone scales can be used in many musical situations, but the most common is to place it over altered dominant chords or using it on your tonal centre (Pitch Axis Theory).
Many players use whole tone runs, Joe Satriani being a notable example. Pieces that feature use of the whole tone include ‘Fracture’ by King Crimson, ‘SpaceLab’ by Kraftwerk and ‘Voiles from Prelude’ by Debussy. It is also used extensively in jazz with John Coltrane returning to whole tone and augmented triads time and again.
Some Example Licks
Check out these example licks, you’ll find the TAB as well as a guide to the symbols, below:
1) Legato:
2) Three Notes Per String:
3) Augmented Triad Sweeps:
4) Tap Extension:
Hammer ons: h.
Pull offs: p.
Vibrato: ~.
Bends: b.
Release bend: br.
Tap: t.
Slides: / or \ depending on direction.
You can download a PDF of the licks here.
The Extra Flash
Once you’ve grasped the material above, try transposing it in to different keys – move the examples above up the neck two frets and you’re in B Whole Tone, down 5 frets – E Whole Tone, and so on.
You’ll find some backing tracks to noodle over on my YouTube channel HERE.
And that’s the Whole Tone scale for you. You can find more articles on scales and guitar technique to help you develop as a player here. If you’ve got any questions please get in touch on Facebook or Twitter.
