Box 1
Position 1 (6th-string root)
Frets 8–11
When to use it: Root on the 6th string. Learn this one first — matching the root to a fret is all it takes to move the shape to any key.
Whole Tone
C Whole Tone Scale
Six notes, all a whole step apart — dream sequences and augmented harmony.
- Notes
- C D E F♯ G♯ B♭
- Formula
- 1 · 2 · 3 · ♯4 · ♯5 · ♭7
- Sound
- weightless, blurred
- Guitar positions
- 2
The patterns on guitar
2 fretboard positions in standard tuning, low string on the left. Every dot is a note of the scale and the number inside it is the scale degree, so you can see the shape and the theory at once.
root notescale notenumbers inside the dots are scale degrees
Box 2
Position 2 (5th-string root)
Frets 3–6
When to use it: Root on the 5th string. Use it when the tonic is easier to find on the A string, or when you want the scale to sit higher.
The notes
6 notes, built off C with the formula 1 · 2 · 3 · ♯4 · ♯5 · ♭7. Perfectly symmetrical, so it has no leading tone and no obvious root. Debussy used it for haze; jazz players use it over 7♯5 chords.
Tap any note to hear it on its own.
Chords built from this scale
With 6 notes there is no seven-chord diatonic set to stack. What matters instead is which chords this scale fits over: every chord below is built entirely from notes in the scale, so you can solo across it without hitting a note that fights the backing chord.
Common questions
What notes are in the C Whole Tone Scale?
The C whole tone scale has 6 notes: C, D, E, F#, G#, Bb. The interval formula is 1–2–3–♯4–♯5–♭7, counted up from C.
What chords are in the C Whole Tone Scale?
It is not a seven-note scale, so it has no diatonic harmony of its own. The chords whose notes fit entirely inside it are Abaug, Bbaug, Caug, Daug, Eaug, F#aug — those are safe to solo over with this scale.
Where do I start on guitar?
Start with Position 1 (6th-string root) at fret 8. Root on the 6th string. Learn this one first — matching the root to a fret is all it takes to move the shape to any key.
Learn the theory behind it
The patterns above get your fingers moving. These explain what the notes are actually doing, so you can use the scale instead of just running it.