Whole Tone Scale

Definition

The Whole Tone Scale is a symmetrical scale that consists entirely of whole steps, creating a dreamy and ambiguous sound. This scale lacks the traditional half steps found in major and minor scales, which results in a unique tonal quality that can evoke feelings of mystery or otherworldliness. Because it contains only six distinct pitches, the Whole Tone Scale can be used to create interesting melodies and harmonies that stand apart from more common scales.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Whole Tone Scale consists of six notes, leading to only two possible whole tone scales per octave, making it quite unique compared to other scales.
2. Composers like Claude Debussy and Olivier Messiaen have famously utilized the Whole Tone Scale to create atmospheric and impressionistic music.
3. Because there are no leading tones or strong resolutions in the Whole Tone Scale, it creates an ambiguous feeling that can evoke a sense of floating or suspension.
4. The Whole Tone Scale can be used effectively in improvisation, especially in jazz music, as it allows musicians to explore different tonalities without being confined to traditional harmonies.
5. This scale is often associated with exoticism in music due to its unusual sound and has been used in various genres beyond classical, including film scores and popular music.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of the Whole Tone Scale contribute to its unique sound compared to traditional major or minor scales?
  • The Whole Tone Scale is made up entirely of whole steps, which creates a lack of half steps typically found in major or minor scales. This absence of half steps eliminates the strong sense of tension and resolution usually present in those scales, resulting in a more ambiguous and dreamlike quality. Consequently, melodies composed using the Whole Tone Scale feel more fluid and less predictable than those based on traditional tonal structures.
• Discuss the role of the Whole Tone Scale in creating atmosphere within compositions by notable composers like Debussy.
  • The Whole Tone Scale plays a crucial role in establishing atmosphere in the works of composers like Claude Debussy. By using this scale, Debussy was able to craft compositions that evoke feelings of mystery and impressionism. The fluidity and non-resolution characteristic of the Whole Tone Scale allows listeners to experience a sense of openness and exploration within the music, contributing significantly to the emotional landscape of his pieces.
• Evaluate the significance of the Whole Tone Scale's use in modern genres beyond classical music and its impact on contemporary musical expression.
  • The significance of the Whole Tone Scale extends into modern genres such as jazz, film scoring, and popular music, where its unique sound allows for innovative musical expression. In jazz, musicians use the scale for improvisation, creating unexpected harmonies that enhance their performances. Film composers leverage the Whole Tone Scale to evoke specific emotions or set a particular mood within scenes, thus broadening its impact on contemporary music. This versatility illustrates how the Whole Tone Scale continues to influence musical creativity across various styles.

Related terms

Chromatic Scale:

A scale that includes all twelve pitches within an octave, each a half step apart, allowing for a wide range of harmonic possibilities.

Diminished Scale: A symmetrical scale alternating between whole and half steps, commonly used in jazz and provides tension and complexity.

Pentatonic Scale:

A five-note scale that is often used in various musical traditions, creating melodies that are generally perceived as pleasant and harmonious.