F Six Tone Symmetric Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
F Six Tone Symmetric Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Mandolin, its notes are F, Gb, A, Bb, C#, D. It lacks a tonic or a home note, making it perfect for modern composers who want to avoid traditional keys and explore total tonal suspension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen. Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Notes: F, Gb, A, Bb, C#, D
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: H-WH-H-WH-H-WH
Number of notes: 6
Musical Character
Divides the octave into 6 mathematically equal parts — a scale without a home. Perfect for composers who want to intentionally avoid any tonal center.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen
How to Use the F Six Tone Symmetric Scale
Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Origin & Background
A mathematical abstraction used by 20th-century experimental composers like Bartok and Messiaen.
How to Play F Six Tone Symmetric on Mandolin
Begin by locating F on your instrument and play through the 6 notes of the Six Tone Symmetric scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The F Six Tone Symmetric scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the F Six Tone Symmetric scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on F to let the characteristic intervals of the Six Tone Symmetric scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in experimental contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the F Six Tone Symmetric scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 6 notes before building speed. Aim for a abstract quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The F Six Tone Symmetric scale contains 6 notes (F, Gb, A, Bb, C#, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F Six Tone Symmetric
The F Six Tone Symmetric scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 6-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore F Six Tone Symmetric Further
- Browse chord progressions
- F Six Tone Symmetric on Guitar
- F Six Tone Symmetric on Ukulele
- F Six Tone Symmetric on Bass
- F Six Tone Symmetric on Piano