An octatonic scale is any eight-note musical scale. However, the term most often refers to the symmetric scale composed of alternating whole and half steps, as shown at right.
- How do you identify an octatonic scale?
- How do you make an octatonic scale?
- What intervals are used in an octatonic scale?
- Who used the octatonic scale?
How do you identify an octatonic scale?
The numbers of the names indicate all that is needed to identify a particular octatonic scale: two consecutive notes within the scale. 0 is C♮, 1 is C#, and 2 is D♮. Thus, Oct 0, 2 is the octatonic with the notes C and D in it.
How do you make an octatonic scale?
The octatonic scale can be formed by alternating between whole steps and half steps. Consequently, the octatonic scale is said to be symmetrical because it can be divided into equal and identical parts. There are two known variants of the octatonic scale; the octatonic whole-half and the octatonic half-whole.
What intervals are used in an octatonic scale?
The octatonic or diminished scale is an eight note scale in which the intervals alternate between whole and half steps. This scale is sometimes used in jazz. Similarly to the whole tone scale, octatonic scales don't imply a particular central pitch.
Who used the octatonic scale?
According to McHose, the octatonic scale was first used by Rimski-Korsakov. His student, Igor Stravinsky used it extensively, especially in the Rite of Spring. The octatonic scale has only two modes.