STRINGSCALES

F leading whole tone Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, F, G, A, B, C#, D#, E at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12

A string: A, B, C#, D#, E, F, G, A at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12

D string: D#, E, F, G, A, B, C# at frets 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11

G string: G, A, B, C#, D#, E, F, G at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12

B string: B, C#, D#, E, F, G, A, B at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12

High E string: E, F, G, A, B, C#, D#, E at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12

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F leading whole tone

The leading whole tone scale, the second mode of the neapolitan major scale, is a whole tone scale with a major 7th bolted on. Five whole steps float exactly as expected, then the leading tone suddenly offers a way home. That built-in escape hatch makes it more usable than the pure whole tone scale in tonal contexts.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

F

I+

Faug
G

II+

Gaug
A

III

Amaj
B

#IV

Bmaj♭5
C♯

#v°

C♯dim
D♯

#VI

F7no5/D♯
E

vii

Em

Same notes, different mode

F leading whole tone uses the same notes as the scales below. Start from a different note and you get a new mode built on the very same note set.

G lydian augmented dominantA lydian dominant b6B major locrianC# half-diminished b4D# altered dominant double b3E neapolitan major

leading whole tone in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Float through the whole tone bottom (root to #V (C#) in whole steps), then use the major 7th (E) as the escape hatch to the root.
  • Over an augmented chord resolving to a major chord, this scale scripts the resolution: dreamy first, decisive at the end.
  • Delay the VII: the longer the whole tone blur lasts, the stronger the leading tone lands.
  • It is the second mode of neapolitan major; the same notes a whole step below F give the neapolitan major scale.

How to play F leading whole tone on guitar

Five open strings belong to this key, the two E strings a major seventh up, A a major third, G a major second and B an augmented fourth. Only the D string sits outside, so you can strum through open shapes and still stay in key. Roots begin at fret 1 on the low E, which means the E-shape barre and the first box both start almost at the nut. Position work shifts at fret 5.

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