The paper presents a linear model for wave attenuation where the quality factor \( Q \) is independent of frequency. The model specifies pulse propagation by two parameters: \( Q \) and \( \gamma \), the phase velocity at an arbitrary reference frequency \( \omega \). The phase velocity \( c \) is derived as \( c / \omega = (\omega / \omega_0) \gamma \), with \( \gamma = (1 / \pi) \tan^{-1}(1 / Q) \). Scaling relationships are derived, showing that for a material with a given \( Q \), the pulse rise time is proportional to travel time. The travel time for a pulse from a delta function source is proportional to \( x^{\beta} \), where \( \beta = 1 / (1 - \gamma) \). The constant \( Q \) theory is applied to field observations from the Pierre shale formation in Colorado, fitting both sets of data. The paper also discusses the limitations of nonlinear friction models and the advantages of the constant \( Q \) model in describing wave propagation and attenuation.The paper presents a linear model for wave attenuation where the quality factor \( Q \) is independent of frequency. The model specifies pulse propagation by two parameters: \( Q \) and \( \gamma \), the phase velocity at an arbitrary reference frequency \( \omega \). The phase velocity \( c \) is derived as \( c / \omega = (\omega / \omega_0) \gamma \), with \( \gamma = (1 / \pi) \tan^{-1}(1 / Q) \). Scaling relationships are derived, showing that for a material with a given \( Q \), the pulse rise time is proportional to travel time. The travel time for a pulse from a delta function source is proportional to \( x^{\beta} \), where \( \beta = 1 / (1 - \gamma) \). The constant \( Q \) theory is applied to field observations from the Pierre shale formation in Colorado, fitting both sets of data. The paper also discusses the limitations of nonlinear friction models and the advantages of the constant \( Q \) model in describing wave propagation and attenuation.