The C Whole Tone scale contains six notes: C, D, E, F♯, G♯, and B♭. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-W-W-W-W-W.
C Whole Tone Scale Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | C | P1 |
| 2 | Major 2nd | D | M2 |
| 3 | Major 3rd | E | M3 |
| ♯4 | Augmented 4th | F♯ | A4 |
| ♯5 | Augmented 5th | G♯ | A5 |
| ♭7 | Minor 7th | B♭ | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | C | P8 |
Key Signature
The C Whole Tone Scale doesn’t line up with a single major or minor key, so it has no standard key signature. Its notes are written with accidentals as needed.
Accidentals
F♯G♯B♭
C Whole Tone Scale — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the notes of the C Whole Tone Scale on piano?
The C Whole Tone Scale uses the notes C – D – E – F♯ – G♯ – B♭ – C. Play them in order from the root up to the octave, hands separately first, then together.
What notes are in the C Whole Tone Scale?
The C Whole Tone Scale contains six notes: C – D – E – F# – G# – Bb. The notes table above shows each note with its scale degree and interval from the root.
How many sharps or flats does C Whole Tone have?
The C Whole Tone Scale doesn't correspond to a single major or minor key, so it has no standard key signature. Its notes are written with accidentals as needed: F♯, G♯, B♭.
What does the C Whole Tone Scale sound like?
The C Whole Tone Scale has a dreamy, ambiguous quality with no half-steps — used by Debussy and in dream sequences. Listen to the audio playback above to hear the character on every note.