Chapter 5: The Whole Tone Scale in Improvisation

There are actually only two forms of whole tone scales. This is because each note is separated by the interval of one whole step. Unlike your standard major and minor scales, it contains no semitone intervals.

C whole tone scale (C, D, E, F/G, G/A, A/B)

Db whole tone scale (C/D, D/E, F, G, A, B)

 Recognizable but rare, the whole tone scale is a great tool for improvising, especially if you find yourself in a creative rut.

You can start the scale on any note from the C whole tone scale (C D E F# G# A#) and end up playing the same notes. The same goes for its Db counterpart. Start on any note from the Db whole tone scale (C♯/D♭, D♯/E♭, F, G, A, B) and you will end up playing the same notes

In this video Dr. Klee will discuss the use of whole tone scales and how to apply them to your improvisation

 

Go back to chapter 4

Go to chapter 6

Here are the practice songs I suggest you first work on for this chapter.

Practice Song No. 11-Royal Flush, D Blues

Practice Song No. 19-Time to Move Along

Practice Song No. 20-Together We Can

Practice Song No. 21-Unforgettable Moments

Practice Song No. 23-Until Then

Practice Song No. 2-Bb 12 Bar Blues

 

The pdf sheet music for these practice songs is located in chapter 18 of my book.