E Whole Tone Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
E Whole Tone Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Whole Tone scale, also known as Messiaen's Mode of Limited Transposition #1, is a perfectly symmetrical scale that lacks a tonal center, creating a sense of weightlessness and blur. On Guitar, it contains the notes E, F#, G#, A#, C, D. It divides the octave into six equal whole steps, meaning only two unique whole tone scales exist. Popularized by Claude Debussy and used extensively in film scores, it evokes impressionistic, dreamlike atmospheres where no single note feels like home. Use it over augmented triads and 7#5 chords for a floating, surreal effect. Commonly used in Impressionist, Film Scores, Jazz, Ambient, Experimental. Notable players include Claude Debussy, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, Joe Satriani. Use over augmented triads, 7#5 chords. Perfect for dream sequences, transitions, and any moment where tonality should dissolve.
Notes: E, F#, G#, A#, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5A, 6A
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 #5 #6
Formula: W-W-W-W-W-W
Number of notes: 6
Also known as: messiaen's mode #1
How to Play E Whole Tone on Guitar
Start the E Whole Tone scale in open position, taking advantage of the open E string. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is open position.
The E Whole Tone scale contains 3 sharps (F#, G#, A#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the E Whole Tone scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 6 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on E to let the characteristic intervals of the Whole Tone scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the E Whole Tone scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
The E Whole Tone scale contains 6 notes (E, F#, G#, A#, C, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Whole Tone
The E Whole Tone scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 6-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore E Whole Tone Further
- Harmonize the E Whole Tone scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- E Whole Tone on Ukulele
- E Whole Tone on Bass
- E Whole Tone on Piano
Explore E Whole Tone in Other Tunings
- E Whole Tone in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- E Whole Tone in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- E Whole Tone in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- E Whole Tone in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- E Whole Tone in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- E Whole Tone in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- E Whole Tone in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- E Whole Tone in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- E Whole Tone in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- E Whole Tone in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- E Whole Tone in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- E Whole Tone in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- E Whole Tone in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- E Whole Tone in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)