D♭ Whole Tone scale
The D♭ Whole Tone scale is a 6-note whole tone scale built on the root D♭. Its notes are D♭, E♭, F, G, A and B. All whole steps - symmetric, dreamlike and famously used by Debussy and on dominant chords. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make D♭ Whole Tone a great tool for improvising and composing.
Whole tone is symmetrical, dreamlike and slightly disorienting. Debussy used it for impressionistic colour, jazz players throw it over altered dominant chords. Built on the root D♭, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where D♭ is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The D♭ Whole Tone scale follows six notes spaced one whole step apart, with no half steps anywhere. Step pattern: W - W - W - W - W - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3M · 4A · 5A · 6A. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
D♭ Whole Tone on the piano
D♭ Whole Tone on the guitar
D♭ Whole Tone on the staff
Hear the D♭ Whole Tone scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the D♭ Whole Tone scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | D♭(Db) |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | E♭(Eb) |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | F |
| 4 | 4A | 6 | G |
| 5 | 5A | 8 | A |
| 6 | 6A | 10 | B |
How to use the D♭ Whole Tone scale
Because D♭ Whole Tone has fewer or more than seven notes, it doesn't produce a standard set of seven diatonic triads. Instead, build chords by stacking thirds within the scale or use it as a melodic colour over chords drawn from a related diatonic key.
Whole tone is symmetrical, dreamlike and slightly disorienting. Debussy used it for impressionistic colour, jazz players throw it over altered dominant chords.
Practice tips
Because whole-tone is symmetric, you can transpose any phrase by a whole step and it still fits. Perfect for fast, fluid runs.
Famous songs
D♭ Whole Tone appears throughout whole tone is symmetrical, dreamlike and slightly disorienting. debussy used it for impressionistic colour, jazz players throw it over altered dominant chords. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to D♭ Whole Tone
Once you are comfortable with D♭ Whole Tone, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with D♭ Whole Tone and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D♭ Whole Tone scale?
What is the formula for the D♭ Whole Tone scale?
Is D♭ Whole Tone a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the D♭ Whole Tone scale?
Which genres use D♭ Whole Tone?
How do I practise the D♭ Whole Tone scale?
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