Guitar Scale Logic
E Whole Tone Guitar Scale in Half Step Down
Whole Tone scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Half Step Down.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D#|------------------------------------1--| A#|------------------------------2--4-----| F#|---------------------0--2--4-----------| C#|---------------1--3--------------------| G#|------0--2--4--------------------------| D#|1--3-----------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The E Whole Tone scale uses E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, D and the formula 1 2 3 #4 #5 b7. In Half 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 E root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.
Whole Tone sounds dreamy, ambiguous and slippery. Try it for outside runs, tension before resolution and impressionistic harmony. Half Step Down lowers every string by one semitone. Chord shapes keep their familiar string relationships, but the sounding notes change.
Use short bursts because the symmetry removes a strong tonal center quickly. In Half Step Down, remember that a familiar shape now sounds one semitone lower.
- E
- F♯
- G♯
- A♯
- B♯
- D
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Eaugaugmented
- F♯augaugmented
- G♯augaugmented
- A♯augaugmented
- B♯augaugmented
- Daugaugmented