Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

A# Whole Tone Guitar Scale in Whole Step Down

Whole Tone scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Whole Step Down.

Formula 1 2 3 #4 #5 b7
Tuning D A F C G D
Scale Notes 6 notes

Interactive fretboard

Scale Map

Root notes are highlighted in amber. Use the buttons to isolate each five-fret position.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
D C♯♯
D♯♯
E♯♯
G♯
A♯
B♯
C♯♯
D♯♯
E♯♯
G♯
A♯
B♯
A
A♯
B♯
C♯♯
D♯♯
E♯♯
G♯
A♯
B♯
C♯♯
D♯♯
E♯♯
F
E♯♯
G♯
A♯
B♯
C♯♯
D♯♯
E♯♯
G♯
A♯
B♯
C♯♯
C B♯
C♯♯
D♯♯
E♯♯
G♯
A♯
B♯
C♯♯
D♯♯
E♯♯
G♯
A♯
G
G♯
A♯
B♯
C♯♯
D♯♯
E♯♯
G♯
A♯
B♯
C♯♯
D♯♯
D C♯♯
D♯♯
E♯♯
G♯
A♯
B♯
C♯♯
D♯♯
E♯♯
G♯
A♯
B♯
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

D|------------------------0--2--4--|
A|------------------1--3-----------|
F|------------1--3-----------------|
C|---0--2--4-----------------------|
G|3--------------------------------|
D|---------------------------------|

0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 11 notes

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

The A# Whole Tone scale uses A♯, B♯, C♯♯, D♯♯, E♯♯, G♯ and the formula 1 2 3 #4 #5 b7. In Whole Step Down tuning, the open strings run D A F C G D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each A# root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.

Overview

Whole Tone sounds dreamy, ambiguous and slippery. Try it for outside runs, tension before resolution and impressionistic harmony. Whole Step Down lowers every string by two semitones. The string relationships stay the same as Standard tuning.

Practice Tip

Use short bursts because the symmetry removes a strong tonal center quickly. In Whole Step Down, remember that a familiar shape now sounds a whole tone lower.

  • A♯
  • B♯
  • C♯♯
  • D♯♯
  • E♯♯
  • G♯

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

These chords contain notes from the selected scale.

  • A♯augaugmented
  • B♯augaugmented
  • C♯♯augaugmented
  • D♯♯augaugmented
  • E♯♯augaugmented
  • G♯augaugmented