The whole-tone scale is a musical scale consisting of only whole tones, meaning no half steps. This unique scale creates an almost dream-like quality to music, lending itself to jazz and impressionistic genres. However, there are other names used for this scale, including the "augmented scale," due to its use of augmented intervals. It is also referred to as the "Messiaen scale," named for the unique use of the whole-tone scale in French composer Olivier Messiaen's music. Additionally, it is sometimes referred to as the "hexatonic scale" due to its use of only six notes. Regardless of its name, the whole-tone scale remains a key component of modern music theory.