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

Ever been curious about the whole tone scale and its mystical sound? Let’s chat about how to play the A Major Whole Tone Scale on the guitar. This isn’t just another scale to add to your arsenal, it’s a gateway to some seriously unique sounds. We’ll break it down, step by step, so you can start integrating this scale into your playing seamlessly.

Why the Whole Tone Scale is Worth Your Time

So, what’s all the fuss about the whole tone scale? Imagine a scale where each note is a whole step away from the next. That’s right, no half steps here! This creates a dreamy, almost surreal sound that’s perfect for adding a twist to your solos or compositions. Unlike the traditional major or minor scales, the whole tone scale offers a symmetrical structure, which can be both fascinating and challenging to play.

In practical terms, this scale is often used in jazz, but it’s making its way into modern metal genres like djent and progressive metal, where unique tonalities are embraced. Picture this: you’re shredding a solo, and suddenly, you throw in a whole tone run. It can add an unexpected, yet awesome, flavor that makes listeners go, “Whoa, what was that?”

Getting to Know the A Major Whole Tone Scale

Alright, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of the A Major Whole Tone Scale. This scale is composed of six notes: A, B, C#, D#, F, and G. Notice anything different? That’s right, no E or G#. This absence of half steps between notes gives the scale its distinct sound. It’s like walking on musical stepping stones, where each step is evenly spaced.

Here’s a quick rundown of the scale on the guitar:

e|-------------------------------0-2-4-|
B|-------------------------0-2-4-------|
G|-------------------1-3-5-------------|
D|-------------1-3-5-------------------|
A|-------1-3-5-------------------------|
E|-0-2-4-------------------------------|

Notice how each fret is two steps apart? That’s the whole tone magic right there. This pattern repeats, making it a cycle you can use across the fretboard. But don’t just take my word for it—try it out and let your ears be the judge.

Fingering Techniques for Smooth Playability

Getting the fingering right can make or break your experience with the whole tone scale. Since the notes are evenly spaced, it’s tempting to use a one-finger-per-fret approach. However, there’s a more efficient way to play this scale smoothly.

Start by using your index finger for the first note of each string, your middle finger for the second, and your pinky for the third. This way, you’re not stretching awkwardly or overexerting your hand. Here’s a suggested fingering pattern for the A Major Whole Tone Scale:

• Index finger on the A (5th fret of the low E string)
• Middle finger on the B (7th fret of the low E string)
• Pinky finger on the C# (9th fret of the low E string)
• Move to the next string and repeat

By practicing this fingering, you’ll find you can move effortlessly across the strings, maintaining consistency and speed. And when you’re jamming in a band setting or recording, efficiency is the name of the game.

Creating Riffs with the Whole Tone Scale

Now that you’ve got a handle on playing the scale, let’s talk about how to use it creatively. The whole tone scale can be a goldmine for riff creation, especially in genres like djent and progressive metal. It’s like having a secret weapon that can add an eerie, tension-filled character to your music.

Start by experimenting with simple patterns, like ascending and descending runs. Then, try incorporating the scale into your riffs. Here’s a basic riff idea to get you started:

e|---------------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------------|
G|---------------------------------------|
D|---------------------------------------|
A|-------5---7---9---10------------------|
E|-5-7-9---9---9---9---9-----------------|

Notice how the repetitive nature of the scale lends itself to creating tension? This is particularly effective when paired with heavy, palm-muted chugs—a staple in metal.

And if you’re looking for more guidance, Riffhard has lessons taught by some of the best in the metal scene, helping you refine those riffs even further.

Using the Scale in Solos

Solos are where the whole tone scale can truly shine. Its unique sound can add a fresh twist to your lead playing, making your solos stand out. Try using the scale to create tension and then resolve it with more conventional scales like the pentatonic or natural minor.

Here’s a quick solo lick that incorporates the A Major Whole Tone Scale:

e|----------------------------------------12-14-16--|
B|-----------------------------12-14-16-------------|
G|---------------------13-15------------------------|
D|-------------13-15--------------------------------|
A|------13-15---------------------------------------|
E|-12-14--------------------------------------------|

Use this lick at the climax of your solo to captivate your audience. The unexpected tonal shift can be a real ear-catcher. And if you want to see how the pros do it, our instructors at Riffhard can show you how to incorporate these scales into your solos with style.

Integrating the Scale into Your Compositions

Whole tone scales aren’t just for solos and riffs, they’re great for composition too. If you’re looking to add some spice to your songwriting, consider using this scale to create unique chord progressions or melodic themes.

One approach is to use the scale to create a main theme or motif that recurs throughout a song. This can be particularly effective in progressive metal, where listeners appreciate complexity and innovation. Here’s a simple progression using the whole tone scale:

• Amaj7
• C#aug
• D#7
• Faug

This sequence can serve as a foundation for your song, giving it a mysterious, otherworldly feel. And when you layer it with other instruments, the result can be mesmerizing.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Like any new technique, playing the whole tone scale has its challenges. One common issue is maintaining a clean sound while moving quickly across the fretboard. But don’t worry—there are ways to tackle this.

First, practice slowly. It might sound basic, but slowing down helps you focus on clean transitions between notes. Use a metronome to gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Second, pay attention to your picking hand. Alternate picking is your friend here, as it allows for fluid movement between strings. And if you’re struggling, Riffhard offers lessons that can help refine your picking technique, ensuring every note rings clear.

Exploring Different Positions and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basic position of the scale, it’s time to explore different positions across the neck. The whole tone scale is cyclical, meaning you can start it from any note in the scale and maintain the same interval structure.

Try shifting the scale up a whole step and see how it feels. This can open up new possibilities for your playing and help you break out of the rut of playing in the same position all the time.

Additionally, experimenting with variations, like adding bends or slides, can enhance the expressiveness of the scale. These subtle nuances can make a big difference in how the scale is perceived, especially in a live performance setting.

Putting It All Together: Your Path to Mastery

By now, you should have a solid understanding of the A Major Whole Tone Scale and how to incorporate it into your playing. Whether you’re crafting riffs, solos, or entire compositions, this scale can be a powerful tool in your musical arsenal.

Remember, practice is crucial. Don’t rush it, take the time to explore the different sounds and possibilities the scale offers. And if you ever feel stuck, remember that Riffhard is there to guide you, with lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, ready to help you take your playing to the next level.

Final Thoughts

The A Major Whole Tone Scale opens up a world of sonic possibilities, perfect for those looking to add a unique edge to their playing. It may feel a bit unusual at first, but with practice and some guidance, it can become a powerful tool in your musical arsenal. At Riffhard, we’re here to help you explore those possibilities, offering lessons from top-tier metal guitarists to guide you through the nuances of this fascinating scale.