D Whole Tone Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
D Whole Tone Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Whole Tone scale, also known as Messiaen's Mode of Limited Transposition #1, is a perfectly symmetrical scale that lacks a tonal center, creating a sense of weightlessness and blur. On Ukulele, it contains the notes D, E, F#, G#, A#, C. It divides the octave into six equal whole steps, meaning only two unique whole tone scales exist. Popularized by Claude Debussy and used extensively in film scores, it evokes impressionistic, dreamlike atmospheres where no single note feels like home. Use it over augmented triads and 7#5 chords for a floating, surreal effect. Commonly used in Impressionist, Film Scores, Jazz, Ambient, Experimental. Notable players include Claude Debussy, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, Joe Satriani. Use over augmented triads, 7#5 chords. Perfect for dream sequences, transitions, and any moment where tonality should dissolve.
Notes: D, E, F#, G#, A#, C
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5A, 6A
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 #5 #6
Formula: W-W-W-W-W-W
Number of notes: 6
Also known as: messiaen's mode #1
How to Play D Whole Tone on Ukulele
On ukulele, find D on the fret 2 area, and work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 6 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The D Whole Tone scale contains 3 sharps (F#, G#, A#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the D Whole Tone scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D to let the characteristic intervals of the Whole Tone scale come through clearly.
Ukulele Tips
The compact fretboard of the ukulele makes the D Whole Tone scale easy to visualize in a single position. Use this to your advantage by memorizing the scale shape relative to chord shapes you already know.
The D Whole Tone scale contains 6 notes (D, E, F#, G#, A#, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Whole Tone
The D Whole Tone 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.
Explore D Whole Tone Further
- Harmonize the D Whole Tone scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- D Whole Tone on Guitar
- D Whole Tone on Bass
- D Whole Tone on Piano