E Whole Tone Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
What chords fit over E Whole Tone?
Open E Whole Tone HarmonizerE Whole Tone Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E 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 E, F#, G#, A#, C, D. 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: E, F#, G#, A#, C, D
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
Musical Character
Divides the octave into 6 equal whole steps — no half steps means no tension, no resolution, no tonal center. Only 2 possible whole tone scales exist (starting on C or C#).
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Impressionist, Film Scores, Jazz, Ambient, Experimental
Notable players: Claude Debussy, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, Joe Satriani
How to Use the E Whole Tone Scale
Use over augmented triads, 7#5 chords. Perfect for dream sequences, transitions, and any moment where tonality should dissolve.
Origin & Background
Popularized by Claude Debussy in the late 19th century. Also known as Messiaen's Mode of Limited Transposition #1.
How to Play E Whole Tone on Ukulele
On ukulele, find E on the fret 4 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 E 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
Begin by playing the E Whole Tone scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (E-G#, F#-A#) 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 E to let the characteristic intervals of the Whole Tone scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the E Whole Tone scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound. Aim for a weightless quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The E Whole Tone scale contains 6 notes (E, F#, G#, A#, C, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Whole Tone
The E 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 E Whole Tone Further
- Harmonize the E Whole Tone scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- E Whole Tone on Guitar
- E Whole Tone on Bass
- E Whole Tone on Piano