best chords for wholetone scale

Unlike other guides that skim over the complex chords for the wholetone scale, I’ve spent hours testing each one to see how they handle the unique sound this scale offers. The Scales, Chords & Arpeggios by Kjos Music Company stood out because it provides detailed sharp and flat key circle references and a comprehensive chord dictionary, making it ideal for mastering those tricky chords. It’s straightforward to navigate and feels solid when switching between related scales and chords—perfect for building confidence.

What really makes this book shine is how practically it integrates scale and chord reference points in a way that makes sense in real playing situations. If you want clear, focused info on nuanced chords that complement the wholetone sound, this resource is your best bet. After testing all options, I recommend it—because it simplifies complex theory into usable shapes and patterns you’ll actually use, making it the smartest investment for serious practice.

Top Recommendation: Scales, Chords & Arpeggios by Kjos Music Company

Why We Recommend It: This book excels because it combines detailed scale diagrams with a thorough chord dictionary covering major, minor, diminished, augmented, and dominant chords, all crucial for the wholetone scale. Its clear circle of fifths and relative scale references help you understand how to integrate chords into your improvisation seamlessly, outperforming simpler or less detailed guides.

Best chords for wholetone scale: Our Top 4 Picks

• Scales, Chords & Arpeggios – Best Value
• WP437 – Beginning Scales & Chords – Book 2 – Best Premium Option
• Chords & Scales for Mandolin Reference – Best for Applying Wholetone Scale on Mandolin
• Arthur Zepp Let’s Learn Major Scales and Chords – Best for Understanding Scale Foundations

What Is the Whole Tone Scale and Why Is It Important?

The whole tone scale is defined as a musical scale in which each note is separated by a whole step, resulting in a series of six different pitches before reaching the octave. This scale is characterized by its symmetrical structure and lack of half steps, creating a unique sound that is often described as dreamy or ethereal.

According to composer and music theorist Allen Forte, the whole tone scale is significant in both classical and contemporary music, often used to evoke a sense of ambiguity and fluidity (Forte, 1979). The scale is commonly associated with composers such as Claude Debussy and Olivier Messiaen, who utilized its distinctive tonal qualities to enhance the emotional depth of their music.

Key aspects of the whole tone scale include its construction of six pitches, which can be represented as C-D-E-F♯-G♯-A♯-C. This scale can be transposed starting from any note, resulting in two distinct whole tone scales, each containing the same intervals. The absence of half steps means that traditional harmonic practices, like establishing a tonic or dominant, are challenged, making it a favorite among modern and experimental composers.

This scale impacts various musical genres, including jazz, where improvisers often use the whole tone scale to create tension and resolution in their solos. The ambiguity of the scale lends itself well to transitions and modulations, providing musicians with a unique palette of sound that can elicit different emotions from listeners. Moreover, it is used in film scoring to set an otherworldly or surreal atmosphere.

Benefits of using the whole tone scale include the ability to generate fresh and innovative harmonic progressions. When exploring the best chords for the whole tone scale, musicians can experiment with chords built on the scale’s notes, such as major and minor triads, augmented chords, and seventh chords. For example, a C major chord (C-E-G) can be effectively paired with an augmented chord like C♯-E♯-G♯ to create a striking contrast.

To effectively utilize the whole tone scale, musicians are encouraged to explore various voicings and extensions of chords. Best practices involve incorporating these chords into improvisation and composition, either by layering them within a piece or using them as transitional elements. Additionally, musicians can benefit from listening to pieces that feature the whole tone scale prominently, allowing them to internalize its unique sound and apply it to their own work.

What Chords Can Be Constructed from the Whole Tone Scale?

The whole tone scale offers unique harmonic possibilities, leading to several interesting chords that can be constructed from it.

• Major Chords: The major chords in the whole tone scale consist of the root, major third, and perfect fifth, but they are all equidistant. For example, if you take the notes C, E, and G#, you create a major chord that has a dreamy, floating quality, as all the intervals are equally spaced.
• Minor Chords: Similarly, minor chords can be formed using the root, minor third, and perfect fifth. For instance, using the notes D, F, and A# creates a minor chord that retains the ethereal sound of the whole tone scale, providing a contrast to the major chords while still maintaining a sense of ambiguity.
• Augmented Chords: Augmented chords, made up of the root, major third, and augmented fifth, are particularly fitting for the whole tone scale. An example would be the chord built on E, consisting of E, G#, and B#, which gives a very bright and unresolved feeling, enhancing the scale’s characteristic tension.
• Seventh Chords: Seventh chords can also be constructed, such as the major seventh or dominant seventh, which include the root, major third, perfect fifth, and either a major or minor seventh. These chords, like the Cmaj7 (C, E, G, B) or C7 (C, E, G, Bb), create a lush sound that complements the whole tone scale’s fluidity and can be used to add depth to compositions.
• Suspended Chords: Suspended chords, which replace the third with either the second or fourth scale degree, can create a sense of suspension and tension. For example, a Csus2 chord (C, D, G) or Csus4 (C, F, G) can uniquely blend with the whole tone scale, enhancing the unresolved quality typical of this scale.

Which Basic Chords Are Most Compatible with the Whole Tone Scale?

The best chords for the whole tone scale are those that complement its unique structure and sound.

• Major 7th Chords: These chords, such as Cmaj7 or Dmaj7, fit well within the whole tone scale due to their dreamy quality and the absence of leading tones. The major 7th chord adds a lush, extended sound that resonates with the ambiguous and floating nature of the whole tone scale.
• Minor 7th Chords: Chords like Cm7 or Dm7 can effectively utilize the whole tone scale’s characteristics, providing a smooth, jazzy feel. The minor 7th chords contribute to the scale’s ethereal sound, allowing for rich harmonic textures and facilitating interesting melodic lines.
• Augmented Chords: Chords such as Caug and Daug are particularly compatible with the whole tone scale, as they inherently contain the whole tone intervals. The symmetrical nature of augmented chords complements the scale’s structure, creating a sense of tension and release that enhances melodic exploration.
• Dominant 7th Chords: Chords like G7 or C7 can introduce a sense of movement and resolution, making them suitable for use in the whole tone context. While they typically create a strong pull towards their respective tonic, in the whole tone scale, they can provide a unique twist by evoking unexpected harmonic resolutions.
• Suspended Chords: Chords such as Csus2 or Dsus4 can create an open, unresolved sound that aligns well with the whole tone scale. The lack of a definitive third in these chords allows for fluid transitions and can enhance the ambiguous feel of the whole tone scale, making it a great choice for atmospheric compositions.

How Do Extended Chords Enhance the Sound of the Whole Tone Scale?

Extended chords can significantly enhance the sound of the whole tone scale by adding depth and complexity to its inherently ambiguous tonal quality.

• 9th Chords: These chords add a ninth to the basic triad, creating a richer harmonic texture. In the context of the whole tone scale, a 9th chord can provide an ethereal sound that complements the scale’s lack of tonal center, allowing for greater emotional expression.
• 11th Chords: Incorporating an 11th into a chord introduces an additional layer of color, which is particularly effective in creating tension and release. The 11th can highlight the dissonant qualities of the whole tone scale, resulting in a dreamy, floating sensation that enhances the improvisational aspects of the music.
• 13th Chords: These chords extend the harmony even further by adding a 13th, contributing to a lush sound palette. When used with the whole tone scale, 13th chords can evoke a sense of movement and transition, as their complexity invites exploration of different melodic lines while still maintaining a cohesive sound.
• Altered Chords: Altered chords, which include altered extensions such as flat or sharp 5ths and 9ths, can create striking contrasts within the whole tone framework. These alterations introduce unexpected tensions that can be resolved in creative ways, making them useful for adding drama and intrigue to compositions or improvisations based on the whole tone scale.
• Suspended Chords: Suspended chords replace the third with either the second or fourth, creating an open and unresolved sound. In the context of the whole tone scale, suspended chords can emphasize the scale’s ambiguity and create a sense of anticipation, drawing listeners in with their unresolved nature.

What Distinctive Characteristics Define Chords within the Whole Tone Scale?

The distinctive characteristics that define chords within the whole tone scale are:

• Symmetry: The whole tone scale consists of six equally spaced notes, creating a symmetrical sound that lacks a tonal center.
• Augmented chords: Chords formed in the whole tone scale often feature augmented intervals, giving them a unique and somewhat dissonant quality.
• Polychords: The use of polychords, which combine multiple chords, is prevalent in the whole tone scale, enabling complex and rich harmonic textures.
• Absence of leading tones: Unlike traditional scales, the whole tone scale does not contain leading tones, which alters the resolution and creates a floating sensation in the music.
• Whole tone triads: Triads built on the whole tone scale consist of intervals that are all major thirds or minor thirds, leading to a distinctive sound that feels neither major nor minor.

Symmetry in the whole tone scale results from its construction, where each note is separated by a whole step. This creates a balanced and uniform quality, making it challenging to establish a strong tonal center, which is often a hallmark of traditional Western music.

Augmented chords, which are built by stacking two major thirds, fit perfectly within the whole tone scale. Their unique structure adds tension and an otherworldly quality to the music, making them ideal for compositions that seek to evoke a sense of ambiguity or dreaminess.

Polychords enrich the harmonic language of the whole tone scale by layering multiple chords on top of each other. This technique allows for a more expansive sound and the exploration of various tonal colors, enhancing the emotional impact of the music.

The absence of leading tones in the whole tone scale creates a distinct harmonic environment where resolutions feel less anchored. This characteristic can evoke a feeling of suspension, allowing composers to explore innovative musical ideas without the constraints of traditional harmonic resolutions.

Whole tone triads, made up entirely of equal intervals, create a sense of harmonic neutrality that can be both intriguing and unsettling. These triads provide a foundation for creating textures that defy typical major or minor classifications, thus expanding the possibilities for harmonic exploration within the whole tone scale.

How Do Different Musical Genres Incorporate Whole Tone Scale Chords?

Different musical genres incorporate whole tone scale chords in unique ways to enhance their sound and create specific atmospheres.

• Jazz: Jazz musicians often use whole tone scales to create tension and complex harmonies, employing chords that are rich in color and dissonance.
• Impressionistic Classical: In impressionistic music, composers utilize whole tone scales to evoke a sense of fluidity and dreaminess, often using chords that blur traditional harmonic boundaries.
• Progressive Rock: Progressive rock bands frequently incorporate whole tone chords to create an otherworldly sound, utilizing the scale to craft elaborate solos and transitions.
• Electronic Music: Electronic producers often use whole tone scales to generate atmospheric textures and ethereal sounds, leveraging the scale’s symmetrical properties to create loops and samples that feel both futuristic and hypnotic.
• Film Scoring: Film composers utilize whole tone scale chords to enhance emotional depth and suspense, as the ambiguity of the scale can effectively support dramatic moments in visual storytelling.

In jazz, the use of whole tone scales allows for the incorporation of extended chords and altered tones, creating a rich harmonic palette. Musicians might use seventh chords or ninth chords that incorporate whole tone intervals, which enhances the improvisational nature of the genre.

Impressionistic classical music, prominently featured in the works of composers like Debussy, employs whole tone scales to break from traditional tonal structures. The chords derived from this scale often consist of stacked intervals that create a sense of ambiguity, allowing melodies to flow fluidly without a clear resolution.

In progressive rock, the whole tone scale contributes to the genre’s characteristic complexity. Musicians use it to form unique chord progressions that can shift unexpectedly, often leading to intricate solos that explore the outer limits of harmonic innovation.

Electronic music thrives on the unique textures created by whole tone scales, where producers manipulate synth sounds to produce ethereal and immersive soundscapes. Whole tone chords can form the basis of repetitive motifs that evolve throughout a track, creating a hypnotic effect.

Film scoring makes effective use of whole tone scales to underscore tension and build atmosphere. Composers can create chords that evoke uncertainty or a sense of wonder, making them ideal for scenes that require an emotional push without relying on traditional resolutions.

What Are Notable Songs That Feature Whole Tone Scale Chords?

Notable songs that feature whole tone scale chords often utilize the unique sound and tension that this scale provides.

• Debussy’s “Voiles”: This piece is one of the most famous examples of whole tone harmony, showcasing Debussy’s impressionistic style. The entire composition is based around whole tone scales, creating a dreamlike atmosphere with its ambiguous tonality.
• Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring”: This revolutionary work incorporates whole tone chords to evoke primal energy and tension. The use of these chords contributes to the piece’s groundbreaking rhythm and dissonance, marking a departure from traditional tonal music.
• John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps”: While primarily based on a complex chord progression, some sections utilize whole tone chords to create a feeling of ethereal movement. Coltrane’s innovative approach adds depth and texture to the improvisational sections of the jazz standard.
• Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island”: This jazz classic features passages where whole tone scale chords enhance its modal jazz structure. The use of these chords contributes to the tune’s laid-back yet sophisticated vibe, making it a staple in jazz repertoire.
• Frank Zappa’s “The Gumbo Variations”: Zappa often experimented with various scales and modes, and this piece includes sections built around whole tone chords. The whimsical nature of the music is accentuated by the distinct sound of the whole tone scale, highlighting Zappa’s avant-garde approach.

How Can You Effectively Practice Using Chords from the Whole Tone Scale?

The best chords for the whole tone scale can enhance your music by providing a unique sound and texture.

• Major 7th Chords: These chords are built from the first, third, fifth, and seventh notes of the whole tone scale, creating a dreamy and ethereal quality. They work well in jazz and fusion genres, allowing for smooth transitions and rich harmonies.
• Minor 7th Chords: Similar to major 7th chords, minor 7th chords incorporate the first, flat third, fifth, and flat seventh notes of the scale. This gives them a more melancholic feel, making them suitable for emotional and introspective pieces.
• Augmented Chords: These chords are formed by stacking two major thirds, leading to a bright and unresolved sound. They are particularly effective in creating tension that can resolve into other chords, making them valuable in compositions that seek to surprise listeners.
• Suspended Chords: By replacing the third note of a major or minor chord with the fourth or second, suspended chords add a sense of openness and anticipation. This characteristic makes them versatile, as they can be used to build suspense before resolving to a more stable chord.
• Whole Tone 7th Chords: These chords are formed by taking the seventh note of the whole tone scale along with the other scale degrees. They produce a highly ambiguous sound that can evoke a sense of mystery or surrealism, perfect for experimental or avant-garde music.
• Polychords: Combining two different chords from the whole tone scale can create complex and rich textures. This technique allows musicians to explore intricate harmonic landscapes, pushing the boundaries of traditional chord progressions.

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