A Six Tone Symmetric Tres Cubano Scale
Tres Cubano scale — fretboard diagram
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 Tres Cubano, 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
How to Play A Six Tone Symmetric on Tres Cubano
Begin by locating A on your instrument and play through the 6 notes of the Six Tone Symmetric scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
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 80 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.
Tres Cubano Tips
Practice the A Six Tone Symmetric scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 6 notes before building speed.
The A Six Tone Symmetric scale contains 6 notes (A, Bb, C#, D, F, F#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Tres Cubano with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Six Tone Symmetric
The A Six Tone Symmetric scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 6-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.