The Octatonic Scale

The Octatonic Scale is a scale that has eight notes that is constructed from alternating half-steps (H) and whole-steps (W).


H-W-H-W-H-W-H-W


Here is an example of a octatonic scale starting on D:

Octatonic scale beginning with a whole-step

An octatonic scale may also begin with a whole-step:

W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H 
Octatonic scale beginning with a whole-step 

These scales are also called diminished scales.

Learn about more Scales