How to Play the Whole Tone Scale on the Guitar

Ever found yourself noodling around on the guitar and hit a wall wondering why everything sounds so… predictable? Enter the whole tone scale, a gem that might just shake up your playing. It’s not your everyday scale, but it’s got that mysterious vibe perfect for adding tension and surprise to your riffs and solos. Let’s dig into what makes this scale tick and how you can use it to spice up your guitar playing.

The Basics of the Whole Tone Scale

The whole tone scale is a bit of an oddball in the world of music theory. Unlike the more commonly used major and minor scales, which are made up of a mix of whole and half steps, the whole tone scale consists entirely of whole steps. This gives it a unique, almost dreamlike quality. It’s a symmetrical scale, meaning it doesn’t have a strong tonal center, which can lead to some interesting musical possibilities.

To put it simply, if you start on any note and keep stepping up by whole tones, you’ll eventually circle back to where you started, after just six notes. This is because the whole tone scale is a hexatonic scale, consisting of six notes. So, if you start on C, your whole tone scale would be C, D, E, F#, G#, and A#. Try playing these notes and let the eerie, floating sound sink in.

What’s fascinating is that there are only two whole tone scales. If you start on any note and follow the whole tone pattern, you’ll eventually land on either of these scales. This makes them particularly useful in compositions where you want to create a sense of ambiguity or tension.

How to Play the Whole Tone Scale: Fingering Patterns

Alright, let’s get those fingers moving. On the guitar, patterns are your best friends. Having a reliable pattern under your fingertips can make all the difference when improvising or composing.

Basic Pattern Starting on the 6th String

Let’s use C as our starting point. Here’s one way to play it:

e|---------------------8-10-12-|
B|------------------9----------|
G|-------------9-11------------|
D|--------9-11-----------------|
A|---10-12---------------------|
E|-8---------------------------|

This pattern spans three octaves and gives you a solid base for improvisation. Practice this slowly, focusing on even timing and clean transitions between notes. Once you’re comfortable, try speeding up or applying alternate picking to sharpen your technical skills.

Alternative Patterns for Variety

Playing the same pattern can get a bit repetitive, so let’s add some variety. Here’s an alternative starting on the 5th string:

e|---------------------8-10-12-|
B|------------------8----------|
G|-------------7-9-------------|
D|--------7-9------------------|
A|---7-9-----------------------|
E|-8---------------------------|

This pattern offers a different perspective and helps break out of the routine. Experiment by shifting these patterns around the fretboard, starting on different roots, and see how the sound changes.

Incorporating the Whole Tone Scale into Your Playing

Now that you’ve got the basic idea down, let’s talk about how to actually use this scale. The whole tone scale can be a fantastic tool for creating tension. It doesn’t fit neatly into any particular key, making it perfect for those out-of-the-box moments in metal when you want to surprise your audience.

One of the best places to use it is over dominant chords, particularly if you want to create a sense of unresolved tension. For example, if you’re playing over a G7 chord, a G whole tone scale can add a spicy flavor that leaves listeners hanging on every note.

You can also use it in solos to transition between different sections or to build to a climax. The unusual intervals can create a sense of build-up that resolves into a more familiar scale, like the pentatonic or minor scale, bringing your solo full circle.

Crafting Metal Riffs with the Whole Tone Scale

For metalheads, the whole tone scale isn’t just about solos. It’s a goldmine for crafting riffs that sound heavy and unsettling. When you’re writing riffs, try using the scale to outline a riff’s shape, then incorporate other elements like palm muting or slides to give it that metal edge.

Here’s a simple riff idea to get you started:

e|-------------------|
B|-------------------|
G|-------------------|
D|-------------------|
A|---3---5---7---9---|
E|-0---2---4---6-----|

Notice the chromatic nature of the riff. The whole tone scale’s symmetrical structure lends itself to creating these kinds of patterns. Once you’ve got the basic riff down, experiment with different rhythms and techniques to make it your own.

If you’re looking to dive deeper into metal riff writing, Riffhard offers lessons from renowned metal guitarists that can help you push your creativity further.

Exploring the Whole Tone Scale in Metal Solos

Metal solos often need that extra kick to stand out, and the whole tone scale can provide just that. Its symmetrical intervals can create rapid sequences that sound both technical and musical. Try using it to break up more straightforward pentatonic or minor phrases in your solos.

Here’s a lick to incorporate into your solos:

e|---------------------10-12-|
B|------------------9--------|
G|-------------11-9----------|
D|--------9-11---------------|
A|---10-12-------------------|
E|-8-------------------------|

By using the whole tone scale, you inject a sense of unpredictability into your solos that can captivate listeners. For those interested in learning more about soloing techniques and integrating scales creatively, our instructors at Riffhard have crafted detailed lessons specifically for metal guitarists.

Improvisation with the Whole Tone Scale

Improvisation can be a daunting task, but the whole tone scale provides a unique palette to work with. Because of its symmetrical nature, you can move lines up and down the neck without having to worry about staying in key. This can lead to some wild and exciting explorations.

Start by picking a backing track with a dominant or diminished chord, then lay down a whole tone scale starting from the root of that chord. Play around with different rhythmic patterns, slides, and bends to discover new sounds. Remember, improvisation is all about expression, so let loose and see where the scale takes you!

Whole Tone Scale in Different Metal Subgenres

Metal has a plethora of subgenres, and each can benefit from the whole tone scale’s unusual sound. In progressive metal, for instance, its ambiguity fits perfectly with complex time signatures and unconventional song structures. In black metal, the scale’s eerie quality can add to the haunting atmosphere.

Think about bands like Dream Theater or Meshuggah, they often incorporate unusual scales to create music that feels both intricate and powerful. By experimenting with the whole tone scale, you can develop a signature sound that sets your playing apart in any subgenre.

Our Riffhard courses delve into these subgenres, offering insights from some of the best in the business, helping you harness the scale’s full potential.

Creating Dissonance and Tension

The whole tone scale’s lack of half steps means it can bypass the usual tension and release found in more traditional scales. This makes it particularly effective at creating dissonance. In metal, where tension is often a key element, this can be used to great effect.

When you want to ramp up the intensity, try layering whole tone scale patterns over power chords or using it in a breakdown. The resulting sound can be jarring and powerful, pushing the boundaries of conventional harmony.

Playing with dissonance is a hallmark of advanced metal guitarists, and our lessons at Riffhard can guide you through this complex but rewarding process.

Experimenting Beyond the Basics

Once you’re comfortable with the whole tone scale, don’t be afraid to experiment. Combine it with other scales, incorporate it into your songwriting, and see how it interacts with different chords and progressions. The beauty of music lies in its limitless potential, and the whole tone scale is a testament to that.

Try creating a piece that transitions between different scales, using the whole tone scale as a bridge. This can lead to some truly unique compositions that capture the listener’s attention and showcase your creativity.

At Riffhard, we encourage this kind of exploration and offer the tools and guidance you need to push your musical boundaries.

Final Thoughts

The whole tone scale is an exceptional tool for any guitarist looking to add a new dimension to their playing. By embracing its unique sound, you can create music that is both challenging and captivating. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, experimenting with this scale can open up a world of creative possibilities. And remember, if you’re interested in diving deeper into the world of modern metal guitar, our courses at Riffhard are designed to help you develop the precision and creativity needed to excel in the genre. Happy playing!