D whole tone scale

The D whole tone scale consists of the D (Perfect unison), E (Major second), F# (Major third), G# (Diminished fifth), A# (Minor sixth) and C (Minor seventh) notes.

Piano keyboard showing the notes for the D whole tone scale

How to play the D whole tone scale

  1. Find D (Root) on the piano keyboard
  2. Play E (Major second) — 2 semitones above D
  3. Play F# (Major third) — 4 semitones above D
  4. Play G# (Diminished fifth) — 6 semitones above D
  5. Play A# (Minor sixth) — 8 semitones above D
  6. Play C (Minor seventh) — 10 semitones above D
  7. Play all 6 notes in ascending order to perform the D whole tone scale

Scales with same notes

Chords in this scale