How to Play the B Major Whole Tone Scale on the Guitar

Scales are the backbone of musical exploration, and the B Major Whole Tone Scale is no exception. This scale, with its unique tonal characteristics, can add a fresh dimension to your guitar playing, especially if you’re into metal or its many subgenres. Let’s break it down and see how you can incorporate it into your playing.

Understanding the Whole Tone Scale

Before we zero in on the B Major Whole Tone Scale, it’s crucial to understand what a whole tone scale is. Unlike the more common major or minor scales that consist of a mix of whole and half steps, the whole tone scale is made up entirely of whole steps. This gives it a unique, almost ethereal sound.

With its symmetrical structure, the whole tone scale doesn’t resolve or feel ‘complete’ in the way other scales do. This ambiguity makes it perfect for creating tension or a dreamy atmosphere in your music. It’s a favorite among composers for film scores and progressive metal musicians looking to add an otherworldly vibe to their compositions.

B Major Whole Tone Scale: The Basics

The B Major Whole Tone Scale starts on the note B and follows the whole tone pattern. The notes in this scale are:

• B
• C#
• D#
• F
• G
• A

And then it circles back to B, an octave higher. Notice how the scale skips the E and stops at the A before reaching the octave B. The absence of half steps and the equal spacing of notes contribute to its distinctive sound.

Fingering Patterns on the Guitar

To play the B Major Whole Tone Scale on the guitar, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with its unique fingerings. Here’s a simple pattern to get you started:

e|----------------------------7-9|
B|------------------------8-10---|
G|--------------------9-11-------|
D|--------------8-10-------------|
A|--------7-9-11-----------------|
E|7-9-11-------------------------|

In this pattern, you’ll notice that each pair of notes on a string is spaced by two frets, reflecting the whole step intervals of the scale. Practicing this pattern up and down the neck will help you internalize the scale’s unique sound.

Practical Application in Metal

Incorporating the B Major Whole Tone Scale into metal can open up a world of creative possibilities. Its tension-filled sound can be particularly effective for solos, creating a sense of movement without traditional resolution. Here are a few ways to use it:

• Solos: Use the scale to create tension before resolving to more conventional notes. This can make your solos feel unpredictable and exciting.
• Riffs: Add a twist to your riffs by substituting parts of your usual scale with whole tone intervals. It can give a futuristic or psychedelic feel to your music.
• Soundscapes: Layer the scale over atmospheric effects to create an eerie or surreal soundscape, perfect for intros or breakdowns.

Integrating with Other Scales

The whole tone scale’s lack of half steps means that it doesn’t naturally resolve to the tonic, making it a great tool for transitioning between different key centers. You can weave it seamlessly between major and minor scales to create tension and release. Try this:

• Begin with a standard B minor pentatonic riff.
• Transition into the B Major Whole Tone Scale for a few measures.
• Resolve back to B minor pentatonic or shift to a B major scale for contrast.

This approach can surprise your listeners and keep your compositions dynamic.

Experimenting with Effects

Using effects pedals can amplify the unique sound of the whole tone scale. Consider these options:

• Delay: A slight echo can add depth and mystique to the scale’s already dreamy sound.
• Phaser: Enhances the scale’s ethereal quality, making it perfect for ambient sections.
• Distortion: When you apply heavy distortion, the dissonance of the whole tone scale becomes more pronounced, creating intense, chaotic moments in your music.

Experimenting with effects is a surefire way to discover new textures and sounds with the whole tone scale.

Using the Whole Tone Scale in Songwriting

Incorporating the B Major Whole Tone Scale into your songwriting can bring fresh ideas. Here’s a simple exercise to get you started:

• Create a riff using the scale’s notes. Focus on the rhythm and how it interacts with the scale’s tension.
• Develop a chord progression that either uses whole tone chords or alternates them with traditional chords.
• Write a melody using the scale, and experiment with how it fits over different chord progressions.

These exercises can help you unlock the scale’s full potential and integrate it naturally into your music.

Bringing It All Together

While the B Major Whole Tone Scale might initially seem daunting, its symmetrical nature actually makes it easier to master than many realize. Practice regularly, and don’t shy away from experimenting. The more you play around with it, the more you’ll appreciate its distinctiveness.

And remember, if you’re looking for more structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists who can help you incorporate such scales into your style effectively.

Final Thoughts

The B Major Whole Tone Scale offers a unique sound that can elevate your guitar playing. Whether you’re looking to add some tension to your solos or create an ethereal atmosphere, this scale is a powerful tool. For more insights and to see how the pros use such scales, check out Riffhard. Our lessons from top metal guitarists can provide the expertise you need to integrate this scale into your playing. Happy shredding!