C Leading Whole Tone Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
C Leading Whole Tone in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The C 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 Cavaquinho, its notes are C, D, E, F#, G#, Bb, B. 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: C, D, E, F#, G#, Bb, B
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 (D-B-G-D)