A Leading Whole Tone Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
A Leading Whole Tone Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Leading Whole Tone scale is a symmetrical scale that combines the weightless blur of the whole-tone system with a final bit of traditional resolution tension. On Piano, its notes are A, B, C#, D#, F, G, G#. It is used to create a sense of floating that eventually finds a home. Commonly used in Impressionist, Film Scores, Jazz. Notable players include Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel. Use as a transition device or over augmented chords that need to resolve. The leading tone provides a gentle gravitational pull absent in pure whole tone.
Notes: A, B, C#, D#, F, G, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5A, 7m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 #5 b6 7
Formula: W-W-W-W-W-H-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play A Leading Whole Tone on Piano
On piano, the A Leading Whole Tone scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on A and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The A Leading Whole Tone scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, G#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the A Leading 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 7 notes of the scale.
Exotic scales like the Leading Whole Tone often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on A. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the A Leading Whole Tone scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The A Leading Whole Tone scale contains 7 notes (A, B, C#, D#, F, G, G#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.