Whole Tone Scales

Whole Tone scales are one of the most exotic sounding scales found in Western Music.

They are often found in Classical music from around the mid-19th century, Modern Jazz and also in Rock music, such as this example by Sting of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Little Wing’, (it’s the first scale you hear and keep listening ).

They are a great scale to use as an improvisor because there are only six notes.  I like to think of them as the first three notes of 2 major scales, a tritone apart….(don’t get too confused yet, watch the video and find out more!)

Lessons

Whole Tone Scales

Whole Tone scales are one of the most exotic sounding scales found in Western Music

Applying a Whole Tone Scale

In this lesson we are going to look at how we can apply the Whole Tone Scale when improvising. As there are only two Whole Tone scales, it is a superb scale to use and has a very unique ‘flavour’ in its sound.

Lecturer

Dan Forshaw

I'm passionate about creating inspirational experiences through music and other arts. A life changing experience under the influence of the music of John Coltrane lead to study in New York and London. My thesis was on the Theology of John Coltrane as expressed through A Love Supreme. I perform across Europe with various jazz groups and teach through my innovative website, www.cambridgesaxophone.com. I'm a total Apple Geek, Cricket, Rugby, F1 and Football fan and I'm learning to listen opinions before giving my own!