whole tone scale
A six-note scale built entirely of whole steps, creating a dreamlike, floating quality.
In Depth
The whole-tone scale divides the octave into six equal whole steps, with no semitones. This symmetry means the scale has no leading tone pulling toward a tonic, giving it a suspended, directionless quality. There are only two possible whole-tone scales: one starting on C (C-D-E-F♯-G♯-A♯) and one starting on C♯. Debussy was the most famous user of the whole-tone scale, employing it to create the shimmering, atmospheric textures of Impressionist music. Its dreamlike quality has also made it useful in film music for depicting fantasy, magic, or disorientation. Jazz musicians use it over augmented and dominant seventh chords.
Debussy used the whole-tone scale so frequently that critics initially dismissed his music as vague and formless. Today, his use of it is considered one of the most important innovations in Western harmony.