Major Pentachords
PENTACHORDS
What is a Pentachord?
- A pentachord is a 5 note pattern. A pentachord will always have 5 notes because 'penta' means 5. There are 2 types of pentachords - Major & Minor.
MAJOR PENTACHORDS
What is a Major Pentachord?
- Major = Start on Do
- Pentachord = 5 note pattern
- So...A Major Pentachord is a 5 note pattern that begins on Do.
- A Major Pentachord begins on Do because in music anything that is Major will always start on Do.
- The 5 notes in a Major Pentachord are Do Re Mi Fa Sol
Singing Major Pentachords
- When we sing a Major Pentachord we sing all 5 notes up and down - Do Re Mi Fa Sol Fa Mi Re Do
- When we sing a Major Pentachord we use our solfege handsigns. Using hand signs helps us to sing with more accurate pitch.
Below is an interactive diagram of a Major Pentachord. If you hover over each red arrow additional information about the pentachord will appear. Use these arrows to learn more about the Major Pentachord, learn the hand signs for the Major Pentachord, and to listen to the Major Pentachord.
Below is a video of me singing and signing a Major Pentachord. Sing and sign along with the video to practice your Major Pentachord and handsigns.
Below is a recording of Major Pentachord. Use the recording to practice singing your Major Pentachord while signing the notes on your own.
Major Pentachord Study Questions
Answer Key
- How many notes are in a Major Pentachord?
- Explain why there are 5 notes in a Major Pentachord.
- What is the first note in a Major Pentachord?
- Explain why the first note in a Major Pentachord is Do.
- What are the notes in a Major Pentachord?
Answer Key
- 5
- Because 'penta' means 5
- Do
- Because in music anything that is Major always starts on Do
- Do Re Mi Fa Sol