The A Whole Tone scale contains six notes: A, B, C♯, D♯, E♯, and G. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-W-W-W-W-W.
A Whole Tone Scale Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | A | P1 |
| 2 | Major 2nd | B | M2 |
| 3 | Major 3rd | C♯ | M3 |
| ♯4 | Augmented 4th | D♯ | A4 |
| ♯5 | Augmented 5th | E♯ | A5 |
| ♭7 | Minor 7th | G | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | A | P8 |
Key Signature
The A 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
C♯D♯E♯
A Whole Tone Scale — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the notes of the A Whole Tone Scale on piano?
The A Whole Tone Scale uses the notes A – B – C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – G – A. Play them in order from the root up to the octave, hands separately first, then together.
What notes are in the A Whole Tone Scale?
The A Whole Tone Scale contains six notes: A – B – C# – D# – E# – G. The notes table above shows each note with its scale degree and interval from the root.
How many sharps or flats does A Whole Tone have?
The A 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: C♯, D♯, E♯.
What does the A Whole Tone Scale sound like?
The A 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.