Whole Tone: guitar scale formula, degrees and fretboard patterns

Scale formula

Formula: 1 2 3 #4 #5 b7. Classification: symmetric.

Description

Detailed explanation The whole-tone scale is six notes a whole step apart, with no half-steps. It's fully symmetric — there's no real tonic. The characteristic sound With no half-steps there are no tendencies — the sound floats, blurred and dreamlike. Inside are augmented triads. Tonic and function The tonic is 7#5 (aug7). By symmetry there are only two whole-tone scales, and each shape repeats every whole step. Chords and use Over 7#5 and 9#5. Impressionism (Debussy), jazz, film scores. As a blurred dominant or a color. Essence Six notes a whole step apart. A symmetric scale with no tendencies.

Degree functions

• I — Symmetric root: Degree I gives the reference point but does not form an ordinary tonal center.
• II — Whole-step extension: Degree II continues whole-tone symmetry without ordinary predominant function.
• III — Major identity: Degree III preserves the major-dominant frame inside symmetry.
• #IV — Sharp eleven color: Degree #IV adds characteristic whole-tone brightness.
• #V — Sharp five color: Degree #V intensifies expanded dominant color.
• bVII — Flat seventh support: Degree bVII preserves the link with the dominant chord.
• — — Symmetry reset: The final slot marks the return of the symmetric cycle rather than a separate new degree.

Use cases

• 7#5 and 7b5 dominants
• Debussy-like color harmony
• film surreal textures
• modern jazz dominant color
• symmetric pattern study

Typical progressions

• V7#5–I
• dominant pedal with whole-tone color
• secondary dominant with #5 resolution
• non-functional color planing