Tone and semitone patterns
What Tone and semitone patterns means in Music GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Tone and semitone patterns
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Reference: Pearson Edexcel
Each mode type has its own fixed series of tones and semitones, giving a distinct sound even from the same starting note.
The pattern of whole and half steps between successive degrees determines the type of scale, such as major.
Topics that use Tone and semitone patterns
- Appendix 3: Musical vocabulary - Organisation of pitch (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Appendix 3: Musical vocabulary - Tonality (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Interval recognition
- 12-bar blues
- Aural identification
- Bass line
- Broken chord
- Cadences and modulation
- Chord sequences
- Conjunct
Using Tone and semitone patterns in the exam
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