A Six Tone Symmetric Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
A Six Tone Symmetric Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Piano, its notes are A, Bb, C#, D, F, F#. It lacks a tonic or a home note, making it perfect for modern composers who want to avoid traditional keys and explore total tonal suspension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen. Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Notes: A, Bb, C#, D, F, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: H-WH-H-WH-H-WH
Number of notes: 6
Musical Character
Divides the octave into 6 mathematically equal parts — a scale without a home. Perfect for composers who want to intentionally avoid any tonal center.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen
How to Use the A Six Tone Symmetric Scale
Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Origin & Background
A mathematical abstraction used by 20th-century experimental composers like Bartok and Messiaen.
How to Play A Six Tone Symmetric on Piano
On piano, the A Six Tone Symmetric 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 Six Tone Symmetric scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the A Six Tone Symmetric scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (A-C#, Bb-D) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A to let the characteristic intervals of the Six Tone Symmetric scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in contemporary classical contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the A Six Tone Symmetric scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a abstract quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The A Six Tone Symmetric scale contains 6 notes (A, Bb, C#, D, F, F#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.