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

Playing the guitar can be a wild ride of discovery, especially when you start venturing into scales that aren’t the usual suspects. One such scale that’s both intriguing and a bit mysterious is the E Minor Whole Tone scale. It’s not something you’d find in your typical music theory handbook, but it can add a unique flavor to your playing. In this post, we’ll break down what this scale is, how to play it, and why it might just be the missing piece in your musical puzzle.

What Exactly is the Whole Tone Scale?

Before we get into specifics, let’s take a closer look at what makes the whole tone scale tick. At its core, the whole tone scale is made up entirely of whole steps (or whole tones, hence the name). This gives it a very symmetrical, almost floating quality. Unlike the major or minor scales that have a mix of whole and half steps, this scale skips the half steps altogether, creating a unique, dream-like sound.

Here’s what the scale looks like in terms of intervals:

• Whole Step (W)
• Whole Step (W)
• Whole Step (W)
• Whole Step (W)
• Whole Step (W)
• Whole Step (W)

As you can see, it’s consistent all the way through. Because of this, the whole tone scale is also known as a symmetrical scale. It doesn’t resolve or feel grounded like other scales, making it perfect for adding tension or an ethereal quality to your music.

Why Choose E Minor Whole Tone?

When we talk about the E Minor Whole Tone scale, we’re essentially starting the whole tone sequence on an E note. But why E? Well, E is a common key in many metal and rock subgenres, thanks to the prevalence of E standard tuning. Plus, this scale’s unique sound can really spice up your solos and riffs, giving you a break from the usual pentatonic and minor scales.

Using the E Minor Whole Tone scale can help you stand out. Imagine playing a solo that suddenly dips into this dreamy, unpredictable world. It’s like flipping the script in the middle of a movie—it catches attention, and it can be a powerful tool if used wisely.

Mapping Out the E Minor Whole Tone on Your Guitar

Now, let’s get to the meat of it: playing the E Minor Whole Tone scale on your guitar. To start, find an E note on your fretboard. The open low E string is a good place to begin, or you can use the 7th fret on the A string, or the 2nd fret on the D string. From there, you’ll map out the scale using whole steps.

Here’s an Example Pattern:

e|-----------------------------------------12--14--16--|
B|----------------------------------12--14-------------|
G|--------------------------11--13---------------------|
D|-----------------9--11--13---------------------------|
A|--------9--11--13------------------------------------|
E|--0--2-----------------------------------------------|

Feel free to start on any E note that feels comfortable. This pattern is movable, meaning you can shift it up or down the neck to start on different E notes if you want to explore different octaves.

Practical Tips for Mastering the Scale

Playing the notes is one thing, but mastering the scale is all about understanding its place within your playing. Here are a few tips to get the most out of it:

• Experiment with Different Rhythms: The whole tone scale can sound repetitive if you stick to a straightforward rhythm. Try mixing it up with triplets or syncopated rhythms to keep things interesting.
• Use it Sparingly: Because of its unique sound, the whole tone scale can quickly overpower a piece if overused. Think of it like a special spice—use it to enhance, not to dominate.
• Blend with Other Scales: Transitioning in and out of the whole tone scale from a more conventional scale can make your solos more dynamic. Try moving from a pentatonic lick into a whole tone phrase for a surprising twist.

Interestingly enough, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists on how to incorporate scales like the whole tone into your playing. These insights can be invaluable as you refine your skills.

The Whole Tone Scale in Metal

While the whole tone scale isn’t as commonly used in metal as the minor or pentatonic scales, it can add an unexpected twist to your riffs and solos. Bands like Dream Theater and Meshuggah occasionally dip into whole tone territory, using it to create a sense of dissonance and tension in their music.

Imagine a breakdown that suddenly shifts into this scale, adding an eerie, unsettled feeling. It can turn a straightforward riff into something that feels like it’s teetering on the edge. This unpredictability is part of what makes metal so exciting, and the whole tone scale can be a perfect tool for achieving that.

Improvising with the E Minor Whole Tone

Improvisation is where the whole tone scale can really shine. Because it’s less predictable than other scales, it can inspire new ideas and directions in your solos. Here’s how you can start incorporating it into your improvisation:

• Start with Familiar Notes: Begin your solo with notes from a scale you’re comfortable with, like the E minor pentatonic. Once you’re in the groove, throw in a few whole tone licks to shake things up.
• Use it as a Bridge: The whole tone scale can act as a bridge between two sections of a solo. Its ambiguous nature allows for seamless transitions, especially when moving from one key to another.
• Focus on Dynamics: Varying your pick attack and volume can make the whole tone scale more expressive. Try playing some notes softly and others with a heavier hand to add texture.

Don’t forget, Riffhard has an extensive library of lessons, including improvisation techniques that can help you make the most out of scales like this one.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you’re trying something new, mistakes are part of the process. Here are a few common pitfalls when working with the whole tone scale and how to sidestep them:

• Overusing the Scale: As mentioned earlier, the whole tone scale can lose its impact if used too frequently. Keep it as a special tool in your arsenal rather than a constant go-to.
• Ignoring Context: This scale doesn’t always fit well with chord progressions that are strongly tonal. Use it in sections where dissonance and tension are desired rather than trying to force it where it doesn’t naturally belong.
• Lack of Familiarity: Spend time getting to know the pattern across the fretboard. The more familiar you are with it, the more naturally it will integrate into your playing.

Creating Riffs with the Whole Tone Scale

Riffs are the backbone of many metal songs, and the whole tone scale can add a distinctive edge to them. Here’s a simple process to start crafting riffs:

1. Choose a Tempo: Start with a tempo that feels comfortable for you. Remember, it’s easier to build complexity on a solid foundation.
2. Find a Root Note: Stick with E as your root to keep things consistent. Use the open low E string or any E on the fretboard.
3. Experiment with Patterns: Try playing around with different sequences of whole tone notes. Focus on creating a motif that you can develop further.
4. Add Rhythm: Once you have a pattern, add rhythmic elements to it. This can be palm muting, alternate picking, or even incorporating other techniques like slides or hammer-ons.

At Riffhard, our instructors guide you through creating riffs using a variety of scales and techniques. Watching how they approach riff writing can be a great source of inspiration.

Integrating the Scale into Your Compositions

Beyond riffs and solos, the E Minor Whole Tone scale can also be a powerful tool in your songwriting toolkit. Here’s how you can start weaving it into your compositions:

• Layering Textures: Use the scale as a layering tool to add complexity and richness. For instance, a clean guitar part using the whole tone scale can overlay a heavier rhythm section to create contrast.
• Building Tension: To create a sense of anticipation or unease, use the scale to build tension before resolving into a more traditional harmony.
• Experimenting with Other Instruments: If you’re working in a band, see how the scale interacts with other instruments. A bass line following a whole tone scale can add depth to your composition.

Practicing Tips for Perfection

Like any new technique, mastering the whole tone scale takes practice. Here are some strategies to help you get there:

• Daily Practice: Regular practice is crucial. Even 10-15 minutes a day can make a significant difference over time.
• Use a Metronome: Keeping time is essential, especially with unusual scales. A metronome can help you nail the rhythm and maintain a steady tempo.
• Record Yourself: Listening back to your practice sessions can reveal areas that need improvement and help track your progress over time.

One of the things we emphasize at Riffhard is the importance of consistent practice. Our custom metronome can be a great ally as you work on this and other scales, helping you stay on beat and make steady progress.

Adding Your Personal Touch

The beauty of learning new scales like the E Minor Whole Tone is that they open up new creative possibilities. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start adding your personal touch. Here’s how:

• Play with Dynamics: Mix soft and loud notes to create contrast and emotion in your playing.
• Explore Different Tempos: Speed things up for intensity or slow them down for a more haunting feel.
• Integrate Techniques: Add slides, bends, or even two-handed tapping to make the scale your own.
• Listen Actively: Study how your favorite artists use the whole tone scale. Riffhard has tons of content from world-renowned metal guitarists who can inspire and teach you new ways to use this scale effectively.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating the E Minor Whole Tone scale into your guitar playing can open up a world of new musical possibilities. It’s a versatile tool that can add drama, tension, and a unique flavor to your music. As you experiment and practice, remember that the key is to have fun and let your creativity flow. For more tips and in-depth lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around, you can always check out Riffhard. Happy shredding!