MusicianCV · TRAlternating steps in the octatonic collection
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Scale families and changes
An octatonic collection alternates half and whole steps to produce eight distinct pitch classes. The first step determines a half-whole or whole-half form; spelling depends on musical context.
Its symmetry repeats interval patterns at several starting points. Over a chord, identify the chord tones first and listen to the remaining tensions. Do not apply one form mechanically to every dominant.
Example
C–D♭–E♭–E–F♯–G–A–B♭ follows half-whole steps.
Alternating steps in the octatonic collectionC D E♭ F G♭ A♭ A B
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What are the first four step sizes of a half-whole pattern?
Answer
Half, whole, half, whole.Related topics
Five-note scales: pentatonic · Modes: pitch collection and centreReferences
Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom
Subject-expert review pending.