Octatonic Scale
An eight-note scale built from alternating whole tones and semitones, widely used in late Romantic and modern music.
Category
scales
Pronunciation
/ɒktəˈtɒnɪk skeɪl/
Origin
Greek (okto, eight) + Latin (tonus)
Length
187 words · 1 min read
About Octatonic Scale
The octatonic scale (also called the diminished scale) divides the octave into a symmetrical pattern of alternating whole and half steps. Two forms exist: whole-half (beginning W-H-W-H) and half-whole (beginning H-W-H-W).
More scales terms
Pentatonic Scale
View all scalesterms →A five-note scale found in musical traditions worldwide
Natural Minor ScaleThe basic minor scale using only the notes of its key signature, without any raised sixth or seventh degrees.
Minor ScaleA seven-note scale with a flattened third degree relative to the major
Melodic Minor ScaleA minor scale that raises both the sixth and seventh degrees when ascending, then reverts to natural minor when descending.
Bebop ScaleA jazz scale that adds one chromatic passing note to a standard seven-note scale, ensuring chord tones fall on strong beats.
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