How many notes are in a whole tone scale?

A whole tone scale is comprised of six distinct notes. Each note in the scale is separated by a whole tone (or whole step), which means there are no semitones (half steps) between the notes. For example, if you start on C, the whole tone scale would progress as follows: C, D, E, F#, G#, A#. After the A#, you arrive at C again, which is the octave note, but because the scale is defined by the six unique pitches before reaching the octave, we only count those six notes.

This understanding is important because it clarifies the structure of the whole tone scale and illustrates how it differs from other types of scales, such as major or minor scales, which typically contain seven notes.