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A Whole Tone Scale: Degrees, Notes, Intervals, and Practical Use

A Whole Tone — six-note whole-tone scale from “A”. All triads are augmented. Creates smooth, dreamlike motion. Use symmetrical tone shifts, keep bass light.

To visually explore a scale, use the interactive circle of fifths — it shows the relationships between notes, chords, and degrees, helping you understand its structure. Next to the circle, you’ll find the guitar fretboard, where all notes of the selected mode are displayed in the same colors as on the circle. Below, you can see the chords that belong to this scale — with degree labels and chord shape thumbnails that you can open and listen to. You can change the guitar tuning, fretboard orientation, and the display mode for notes or intervals. Detailed instructions on how to use the tool are available on the main Circle of Fifths page — check it out to make the most of all its features.

A Whole-Tone · Dreamy / Floating

bviiiiiiii#iv#vCGDAEBGbDbAbEbBbFaugaugaugaugaugaug

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0123456FGABDbEbFGABDbEbFGABDbEbFGAEBGDAE
i
Aaug
01234513240EBGDAE
ii
Baug
01234530012EBGDAE
iii
Dbaug
0123452134EBGDAE
#iv
Ebaug
0123453001EBGDAE
#v
Faug
01234513240TEBGDAE
bvii
Gaug
012345400123EBGDAE

Formula and Intervals of the A Whole Tone Scale

Degree formula: 1 — 2 — 3 — #4 — #5 — b7. Interval pattern between adjacent degrees: 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2. The scale includes the following notes:

  • A — tonic, the main anchor of the mode.

  • B — gentle melodic extension and natural upward step.

  • Db — major third, clear support above the tonic.

  • Eb — Lydian color, keep above 3 for clarity.

  • F — reaching top, cinematic brightness.

  • G — dominant pull toward tonic, typical of Mixolydian.

Together these degrees form the core of the A Whole Tone mode and define its musical character.

Chords within the A Whole Tone Scale

Below are the basic diatonic chords that naturally occur on each degree. Use them as a palette for your progressions, keep the bass stable, and highlight color tones in the upper voice.

  • Aaug — 1

  • Baug — 2

  • Dbaug — 3

  • Ebaug — #4

  • Faug — #5

  • Gaug — b7

This set forms a solid modal framework: combine triads and seventh chords, add 9/11/13 for color, and separate 3rds from 11ths for cleaner harmony.

Alternative Names of the A Whole Tone Scale

This mode may appear under other names:

  • A Whole Tone Scale

  • A WT

All variations point to the same modal structure.

How to Use the A Whole Tone Scale

All triads are augmented: build symmetrical whole-tone shifts. Use as transitional color, keep low register light.

Conclusion

A Whole Tone is a recognizable mode with clear logic of use. Study the formula and intervals, keep color tones in the top voice, build diatonic chords, and try integrating the mode into your own progressions — this way you’ll develop a confident and expressive sound faster.