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