How to Build a Tetrachord?

Building a Tetrachord
If we start at C, then a half-step up would be a C#, then D, then D#. Those are semitones. A whole tone would be two semitones, or jumping straight from C to D. A tetrachord is composed of four notes that are a total of five semitones apart.

What is the formula for a tetrachord?

The intervallic formula of the tetrachord of the major scale is “whole-step, whole-step, half-step”, which can be represented as “W, W, H” or “Why Won't He”.

How is major tetrachord formed?

A major tetrachord is built of a whole step, followed by another whole step, followed by a half step. Two major tetrachords placed in succession forms a major scale. For example, in C major, Tetrachord I is built with the notes C, D, E, and F.

Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.