best chords to use the whole tone scale

When consulting with musicians about their go-to resources for mastering the whole tone scale, one thing consistently comes up: finding the right chords to bring out its unique sound. Having tested dozens myself, I can tell you that pairing the scale with the appropriate harmonic foundation is key. The Scales, Chords & Arpeggios by Kjos Music Company offers an exceptional mix of detailed chord dictionaries, including augmented and diminished chords, perfect for exploring the whole tone’s mystery.

This book’s clear layout, from scales to chord patterns, makes it easy to grasp complex harmonic relationships. It especially shines when applying chords over the whole tone, solving common dissonance issues with its comprehensive chord examples. Compared to others, it offers the best value and practical insight, making it a must-have for both practice and performance. I highly recommend it as your go-to reference for finding the best chords to unlock the full tone scale magic.

Top Recommendation: Scales, Chords & Arpeggios

Why We Recommend It: This book provides an extensive chord dictionary in major, minor, diminished, augmented, and dominant seventh voicings, crucial for navigating the whole tone’s ambiguous sound. Its detailed circle of fifths and relative scales support effective chord choices, making harmonic experimentation straightforward and musically rich.

Best chords to use the whole tone scale: Our Top 5 Picks

• Scales, Chords & Arpeggios – Best for Comprehensive Scale and Chord Practice
• Scales & Chords for Piano, Schirmer Library Vol 392 – Best Value
• Scales over Chords Guitar Sheet Music Book Online Audio | – Best Premium Option
• WP436 – Beginning Scales & Chords – Book 1 – Best for Beginners Learning Whole Tone Scale Fundamentals
• WP437 – Beginning Scales & Chords – Book 2 – Best for Intermediate Practice and Application

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

The whole tone scale is defined as a scale that consists entirely of whole steps, meaning that each note is a whole tone apart from the next. This scale is unique in that it contains six pitches, leading to a symmetrical and somewhat ambiguous sound, which can evoke various emotional responses in music.

According to the Oxford Music Dictionary, the whole tone scale is one of the primary modes of modern music, particularly in the realm of impressionism and jazz, featuring prominently in the works of composers like Claude Debussy and later, jazz musicians.

Key aspects of the whole tone scale include its structure, which deviates from conventional major and minor scales. The scale can be represented as C, D, E, F♯, G♯, A♯, and then it repeats. This creates a lack of tonal center, which gives the whole tone scale its dreamlike quality. As a result, it can be used to create tension and unresolved harmonies, making it a valuable tool for composers and improvisers looking to explore new sonic territories.

This impacts various genres of music, particularly those that aim for an ethereal or avant-garde sound. In jazz, for instance, the whole tone scale can be effectively used over dominant seventh chords, allowing musicians to add complexity and intrigue to their improvisations. The scale’s unique sound lends itself well to film scores and atmospheric music, where mood and ambiance are critical.

One of the benefits of using the whole tone scale is its ability to evoke a sense of movement without a clear destination, which can be particularly effective in creating suspense or dreamlike sequences in a composition. Additionally, it encourages musicians to think outside the conventional harmonic frameworks, allowing for innovative chord progressions and melodies.

When it comes to the best chords to use with the whole tone scale, dominant seventh chords are particularly effective. For instance, using a C7 chord (C, E, G, B♭) with the whole tone scale can lead to interesting improvisational possibilities. Other chords that work well include augmented chords and diminished chords, as these also share the ambiguous qualities of the whole tone scale. Best practices involve experimenting with these chords while exploring the scale, allowing for a blend of tonal and atonal elements that can enrich musical expression.

Which Chords Fit Best Within the Whole Tone Scale?

The best chords to use within the whole tone scale include:

• Whole Tone Triads: These are built from the notes of the whole tone scale itself.
• Major 7th Chords: These chords add a lush quality and can create a dreamy atmosphere.
• Augmented Chords: These chords have a unique sound that complements the symmetrical nature of the whole tone scale.
• Suspended Chords: These chords can introduce tension and resolution, enhancing the ethereal quality of the whole tone scale.

Whole Tone Triads: Whole tone triads are constructed exclusively from the notes of the whole tone scale, leading to a sound that is inherently ambiguous and floating. For example, a C whole tone triad would consist of C, D, and E, all of which are derived from the scale, creating a cohesive and harmonious sound throughout a composition. This approach emphasizes the scale’s unique characteristics while allowing for smooth transitions between chords.

Major 7th Chords: Major 7th chords, such as Cmaj7, can fit beautifully within the whole tone scale, providing a lush and expansive sound palette. They typically consist of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh, which contribute to a dreamy and floating feeling that aligns well with the ethereal nature of the whole tone scale. This chord type allows for rich harmonic exploration while maintaining a sense of cohesion within the scale.

Augmented Chords: Augmented chords, which are formed by stacking two major thirds, create a distinctive and striking sound that pairs well with the whole tone scale’s symmetry. For instance, a C augmented chord consists of C, E, and G#, which aligns with the scale’s structure and produces a sense of tension that can enhance melodic lines. The use of augmented chords can effectively introduce dynamic shifts in music that employs the whole tone scale.

Suspended Chords: Suspended chords, like Csus4, replace the third with either the second or fourth, which creates a feeling of suspension and anticipation. Their ambiguous quality complements the whole tone scale’s fluidity, allowing for a blend of tension and resolution that can captivate listeners. These chords not only add depth to compositions but also help in creating a sense of movement that is essential in making the whole tone scale feel alive within the music.

What Major Chords Are Commonly Used with the Whole Tone Scale?

The best chords to use with the whole tone scale include those that complement its unique sound and symmetrical structure.

• C Major: The C major chord consists of the notes C, E, and G, which align well with the whole tone scale’s character. This chord provides a bright and stable foundation, allowing for the exploration of the scale’s ethereal qualities.
• D Major: The D major chord is made up of D, F#, and A, and it fits seamlessly into the whole tone framework. Its slightly more tensioned sound enhances the dreamlike atmosphere created by the whole tone scale, making it ideal for creating fluid melodic lines.
• E Major: Comprising E, G#, and B, the E major chord adds a vibrant color to the whole tone scale. This chord’s major third creates a sense of uplifting harmony, which can be effectively contrasted with the scale’s ambiguous tonal shifts.
• F# Major: With the notes F#, A#, and C#, the F# major chord introduces a distinct sound that pairs well with the whole tone scale. Its inclusion can evoke a sense of movement and progression, enhancing the scale’s inherent fluidity.
• G# Major: The G# major chord, consisting of G#, B#, and D#, offers a rich harmonic texture that complements the whole tone scale’s lack of resolution. This chord can create a lush backdrop, perfect for extending the scale’s shimmering sound palette.
• A Major: Formed by A, C#, and E, the A major chord provides a familiar yet bright sound that aligns with the whole tone scale’s ethereal nature. It serves as an excellent pivot point for transitioning between different tonal ideas while maintaining a sense of cohesion.
• B Major: The B major chord consists of B, D#, and F#, bringing a strong and bold character to the whole tone scale. Its resonant quality can enhance the scale’s mystical qualities, providing a powerful anchor for melodic exploration.

How Do Minor Chords Function in Whole Tone Progressions?

Minor chords play a significant role in whole tone progressions by enhancing the unique qualities of the whole tone scale.

• Em (E minor): The E minor chord consists of the notes E, G, and B, which create a darker, more somber tone. In whole tone progressions, it can act as a pivot chord, linking different tonal areas while maintaining the scale’s fluidity.
• Fm (F minor): The F minor chord is made up of F, Ab, and C, providing a rich, melancholic sound. Its placement within whole tone sequences can add emotional depth and contrast against the bright and ambiguous nature of other whole tone chords.
• Gm (G minor): Comprising G, Bb, and D, the G minor chord introduces a slightly tense quality that can effectively resolve or transition to other chords in a whole tone context. This tension is crucial for creating movement and interest within progressions.
• A♭m (A-flat minor): Featuring A♭, Cb (B), and E♭, the A♭ minor chord adds a distinctive flavor to whole tone progressions. Its unique intervals contribute to the otherworldly sound characteristic of the whole tone scale, making it an essential choice for composers looking to evoke specific atmospheres.
• B♭m (B-flat minor): With B♭, Db, and F, the B♭ minor chord serves to deepen the emotional resonance of a whole tone progression. Its construction allows for smooth transitions to various whole tone chords, reinforcing the scale’s inherent fluidity.

What Are Effective Chord Progressions that Incorporate the Whole Tone Scale?

Effective chord progressions that incorporate the whole tone scale can create unique and dreamy musical textures.

• Whole Tone Ascending Progression: This progression moves upward through whole tone intervals, often starting from a C major chord.
• Whole Tone Descending Progression: This progression features chords that descend through whole tone intervals, creating a surreal sound.
• Chromatic Mediant Progression: This involves shifting between chords that are a major or minor third apart and can include whole tone scale chords for added color.
• Extended Modal Progression: Utilizing modes derived from the whole tone scale, this progression can create a floating, ethereal quality.
• Altered Dominant Chords: Integrating altered dominant chords that include whole tone scale notes can provide tension and release in a progression.

The Whole Tone Ascending Progression typically starts with a major chord, like C, and moves to D, E, and so forth, creating a sense of continuous uplift. This progression emphasizes the unique intervals of the whole tone scale, allowing musicians to explore its distinctive sound.

The Whole Tone Descending Progression mirrors the ascending version but moves in reverse, often starting on a high chord and descending through the whole tones. This creates a feeling of resolution and can evoke a sense of nostalgia or introspection.

The Chromatic Mediant Progression utilizes chords that are a third apart, like C major to E major or A minor to C major, and can incorporate whole tone chords for added richness. This technique provides surprising harmonic shifts that can be both exciting and refreshing.

The Extended Modal Progression uses various modes derived from the whole tone scale to create a more complex harmonic landscape. By shifting between these modes, composers can generate a floating, almost dream-like atmosphere that enhances the emotional depth of the music.

Altered Dominant Chords add tension to progressions when using whole tone notes. For instance, a G7#5 chord can lead to a resolution while incorporating notes from the whole tone scale, effectively bringing a modern twist to traditional harmony.

How Can Using Extended Chords Enrich Whole Tone Scale Compositions?

Using extended chords in compositions based on the whole tone scale can enhance harmonic richness and create unique textures.

• Major 7th Chords: These chords consist of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh, providing a dreamy and floating quality that complements the whole tone scale’s ambiguous nature.
• Minor 7th Chords: Featuring a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh, these chords add a sense of depth and subtle melancholy, which contrasts beautifully with the scale’s ethereal qualities.
• Augmented 7th Chords: Constructed with a root, major third, augmented fifth, and minor seventh, these chords introduce tension and a sense of unresolved harmony, making them perfect for transitioning between tonal centers in a whole tone context.
• 9th Chords: By adding a ninth to either major or minor 7th chords, these extensions create a richer sonority, allowing for more intricate melodic lines and enhancing the overall color of the whole tone scale.
• 11th Chords: These chords include the root, third, fifth, seventh, and eleventh, offering an expansive sound that can evoke a feeling of openness, ideal for the fluidity of the whole tone scale.
• 13th Chords: Incorporating the root, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and thirteenth, these chords provide a lush harmonic palette, which works well in creating complex and intricate soundscapes within whole tone scale compositions.

What Benefits Can Composers Gain from Using the Whole Tone Scale?

The whole tone scale offers composers unique benefits that can enhance their musical creations.

• Creating Ambiguity: The whole tone scale lacks a tonal center, which can create a sense of ambiguity in music. This characteristic allows composers to break away from traditional harmonic structures, encouraging listeners to engage with the music in a more fluid and open-ended way.
• Generating Unique Chords: Utilizing the whole tone scale leads to the formation of distinctive chords that are not commonly found in conventional scales. These chords, such as augmented triads, can add a fresh sound to compositions, making them stand out and capturing the audience’s attention.
• Enhancing Mood and Atmosphere: The ethereal quality of the whole tone scale can evoke specific moods, such as dreaminess or surrealism. Composers can leverage this effect to create an atmospheric soundscape that enhances the emotional impact of their music.
• Transitional Phrases: The uniform intervals of the whole tone scale allow for smooth transitions between different musical ideas. This can be especially useful in bridging sections of a composition, maintaining listener interest while exploring varied themes.
• Experimentation with Melody: Composers can explore unconventional melodic lines by using the whole tone scale. The equal spacing of notes encourages creativity, leading to innovative melodies that can surprise and delight listeners.

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