Exploring the Whole Tone Scale in Guitar Improvisation
The whole tone scale is a fascinating and versatile guitar scale that many musicians, particularly guitarists, often explore in their studies. This scale, a symmetrical scale made up exclusively of whole tones, is perfect for adding tension to your improvisation on 7th chords. Unlike other scales, the whole tone scale offers a unique harmonic texture and can be applied to a wide range of chord progressions.
Understanding the Whole Tone Scale
The whole tone scale is a hexatonic (six-note) scale that consists only of whole tones, creating a distinctive sound in music. Each note in the scale is a whole step (two semitones) apart, making it a symmetrical scale with no semitone intervals. This unique structure sets it apart from traditional scales like the major and minor scales.
C Whole Tone Scale: C D E F G A
Db Whole Tone Scale: C/D D/E F G A B
These two scales are the only possible whole tone scales because of the symmetrical nature of the intervals between their notes. Regardless of the starting note, the notes of the scale remain the same, creating a consistent and harmonious texture.
Applications of the Whole Tone Scale
The whole tone scale is incredibly versatile and can be applied to a variety of chord types, including major 7th and dominant 7th chords. Due to its unique structure, any triad built from the scale is an augmented triad, which adds a distinctive and often tense quality to the music. This scale can add interesting dissonance and variation to your improvisation.
Improvisation Over Dominant 7th Chords
The whole tone scale is particularly effective when used over dominant 7th chords. It can be applied to both the root and the third of the chord, providing a rich and complex sound. For instance, to use the scale over an A minor 7 chord, you would play an Ab whole tone scale, which gives a similar sound to playing A Harmonic Minor over A minor 7, despite the clashing 7ths.
Practicing the Whole Tone Scale
One of the best ways to practice the whole tone scale is by incorporating it into a blues progression, a favorite among guitarists. Consider the following example, which can be used for practicing:
C7 F7 C7 C7 F7 F7 C7 G7
Try improvising over this progression using the whole tone scale, starting on the root or third of each dominant 7th chord. This exercise will help you get comfortable with the scale and its unique sound.
Conclusion
The whole tone scale is a powerful tool for guitar improvisation, offering a unique and complex sound that can be applied to a variety of chord types. Its versatility and harmonic tension make it a valuable addition to your improvisational toolkit. Whether you're playing over a dominant 7th chord or exploring new chord progressions, the whole tone scale can help you add depth and interest to your music.
Experiment with the whole tone scale, and you'll soon discover its potential to enhance your musical expression and creativity. Happy improvising!