D# Leading Whole Tone Banjo 5 String Scale
Banjo 5 String scale in Standard (Open G) tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Leading Whole Tone in Standard (Open G) — Notes and Intervals
The D# 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 Banjo 5 String, its notes are D#, F, G, A, B, C#, D. 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: D#, F, G, A, B, C#, D
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
Tuning: Standard (Open G) (D-B-G-D-G)