How to Play the A Minor Whole Tone Scale on the Guitar

The A Minor Whole Tone Scale might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of guitar scales, but it’s got a unique flavor that can add a fresh twist to your playing. Whether you’re crafting eerie metal riffs or looking to spice up your solos, understanding this scale can open up new musical avenues. We’re going to break it down step-by-step so you can get a handle on playing it across the fretboard.

What Makes the Whole Tone Scale Unique?

Before we dig into the mechanics of playing this scale, let’s talk about what sets it apart. The whole tone scale is constructed entirely of whole steps, which gives it a symmetrical structure. This means there are no half steps, which are typically what create tension and resolution in music. The result is a dreamy, almost floating quality that sounds quite different from the more common scales.

In the context of A Minor, we’d expect something moody and dark, but the whole tone scale adds an element of unpredictability. It’s a favorite in jazz for its ambiguous sound, but it also finds its place in metal, creating a dissonant, otherworldly vibe.

Building the A Minor Whole Tone Scale

Let’s build the scale step-by-step. Starting from A, you’ll move up in whole steps. Here’s how it looks:

• A
• B
• C#
• D#
• F
• G
• A (octave)

Notice how it’s just a sequence of whole steps? That’s what gives it that balanced, drifting sound. It’s also why there are only 6 notes before you hit the octave—because each step is larger than what you’d find in a typical seven-note scale.

Fingering the Scale on the Guitar

Now, let’s get that scale under your fingers. Here’s a simple way to play it across the neck. Start at the fifth fret on the low E string—that’s your A. From there, move up with the following fingering:

• E string: 5th (A), 7th (B)
• A string: 4th (C#), 6th (D#)
• D string: 3rd (F), 5th (G)
• G string: 2nd (A), 4th (B)
• B string: 4th (C#), 6th (D#)
• High E string: 5th (F), 7th (G)

This is just one way to play it. The beauty of the guitar is that you can find multiple fingerings for the same scale, which can help you incorporate it into different playing contexts.

Using the Whole Tone Scale in Metal

So, how can you use this in your metal playing? The whole tone scale’s unresolved nature can add tension and a sense of the unexpected to your riffs and solos. Try using it over a static chord or a pedal tone. You might find it particularly effective in breakdowns or intros where you want to create a mysterious atmosphere.

For rhythm parts, you could alternate between the whole tone scale and more traditional scales to keep your listeners on their toes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try harmonizing riffs with this scale to create even more dissonance.

Connecting with Other Scales

Another exciting way to use the A Minor Whole Tone Scale is to seamlessly blend it with other scales. For instance, try transitioning from the A Minor Pentatonic to the A Minor Whole Tone. This can add an unexpected color to your solos, making them stand out.

You can also use it as a bridge between different modes. The whole tone scale’s symmetry makes it a great pivot point, allowing you to shift keys or modes effortlessly.

Practice Tips for Mastery

Like any scale, getting comfortable with the whole tone scale takes practice. Use a metronome to keep your timing solid, and start slow to ensure your fingerings are clean. Once you’ve got it down, start experimenting with speed to see how it sounds at different tempos.

Don’t forget to practice in different positions on the neck. This will not only improve your fretboard knowledge but also make it easier to incorporate the scale into your playing spontaneously.

Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, where you can learn not only scales but how to integrate them into your playing style. You can check out our Riffhard platform for more insights.

Analyzing the Scale in Famous Solos

If you want to see the whole tone scale in action, check out some solos from your favorite metal and progressive bands. Artists like Dream Theater and Meshuggah often incorporate unconventional scales to add complexity and depth to their music.

Listen for moments in the music that feel unpredictable or other-worldly. There’s a good chance the whole tone scale is at work. By studying these examples, you’ll get a better feel for how and when to use it in your playing.

Improvising with the Whole Tone Scale

Once you’re comfortable with the scale, start incorporating it into your improvisation sessions. Pick a backing track in A minor and experiment with weaving in the whole tone scale. Notice how it changes the mood and feel of the music.

Improvisation is a fantastic way to internalize scales and develop your musical voice. By experimenting with the whole tone scale, you’ll add another tool to your improvisational toolkit.

For those looking to deepen their improvisation skills, Riffhard provides a variety of lessons focusing on rhythm, lead, and scale integration, taught by some of the best in the business.

Final Thoughts

The A Minor Whole Tone Scale is a fascinating addition to any guitarist’s repertoire. Its mysterious and unpredictable nature can breathe new life into your playing, whether you’re crafting riffs or exploring solos. At Riffhard, we offer lessons that help you dive deeper into scales just like this one, taught by top metal guitarists. Give it a try and see where it takes your music!