tetrachord Definition
a series of four notes having a fixed pattern of whole and half steps, especially as forming the basis of the diatonic scale..
Using tetrachord: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tetrachord" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The tetrachord is a fundamental concept in music theory.
Example
The ancient Greeks used tetrachords in their music.
Example
The diatonic scale is based on two tetrachords and a whole tone.
Phrases with tetrachord
Example
The Greater Perfect System was used in ancient Greek music.
a tetrachord with a gap of a whole tone between the second and third notes
Example
The disjunct tetrachord is found in the Lydian mode.
a tetrachord with a gap of a semitone between the second and third notes
Example
The conjunct tetrachord is found in the Ionian mode.
Origins of tetrachord
from Greek 'tetrakhordos', meaning 'having four strings'
Summary: tetrachord in Brief
A 'tetrachord' [ˈtɛtrəkɔːd] is a series of four notes with a fixed pattern of whole and half steps, which forms the basis of the diatonic scale. It is a fundamental concept in music theory, used by the ancient Greeks in their music. The Greater Perfect System is a musical system that uses a series of tetrachords to form a scale.
