D Leading Whole Tone
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
D Leading Whole Tone Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Leading Whole Tone scale is a symmetrical scale that combines the weightless blur of the whole-tone system with a final bit of traditional resolution tension. On Piano, its notes are D, E, F#, G#, A#, C, C#. It is used to create a sense of floating that eventually finds a home. Commonly used in Impressionist, Film Scores, Jazz. Notable players include Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel. Use as a transition device or over augmented chords that need to resolve. The leading tone provides a gentle gravitational pull absent in pure whole tone.
Notes: D, E, F#, G#, A#, C, C#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5A, 7m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 #5 b6 7
Formula: W-W-W-W-W-H-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
Combines the weightless blur of the whole-tone scale with a final half-step that provides just enough resolution tension — floating that eventually finds a home.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Impressionist, Film Scores, Jazz
Notable players: Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel
How to Use the D Leading Whole Tone Scale
Use as a transition device or over augmented chords that need to resolve. The leading tone provides a gentle gravitational pull absent in pure whole tone.
Origin & Background
A synthetic scale blending impressionistic whole-tone color with traditional leading-tone resolution.
Related Scales
The D Leading Whole Tone scale contains 7 notes (D, E, F#, G#, A#, C, C#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.