F Six Tone Symmetric Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
F Six Tone Symmetric Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Piano, its notes are F, Gb, A, Bb, C#, D. 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: F, Gb, A, Bb, C#, D
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 F 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 F Six Tone Symmetric on Piano
On piano, the F Six Tone Symmetric scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on F and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The F Six Tone Symmetric scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 2 flats), 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
Practice the F Six Tone Symmetric scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 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 F to let the characteristic intervals of the Six Tone Symmetric scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in avant-garde contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the F Six Tone Symmetric scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously. Aim for a abstract quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The F Six Tone Symmetric scale contains 6 notes (F, Gb, A, Bb, C#, D). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.