How Do You Spell HEXACHORD?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛksɐkˌɔːd] (IPA)

Hexachord is a musical term that describes a series of six notes within an octave. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as "heksəkɔrd." The "h" in the beginning is silent, and the stress is on the first syllable "hex." The "a" in "chord" is pronounced as "ɔ" in "orb." The "x" is pronounced as "ks" sound. Overall, the spelling of hexachord reflects its Greek origin that translates to "six strings."

HEXACHORD Meaning and Definition

1. A hexachord is a musical term referring to a series or group of six pitches or notes. It can also be defined as a six-note scale or tonal system used in music composition or theory. The hexachord can be constructed using any combination of six pitches from the twelve pitches of the chromatic scale commonly used in Western music.

   Historically, the hexachord was significant during the medieval and Renaissance periods. In this context, it referred to a specific group of six pitches derived from the Guidonian system. This system was used to teach and understand music in medieval Europe.

   In contemporary music theory, a hexachord can be formed by selecting any six pitches from the twelve-tone equal temperament system. The hexachord can serve as a basis for a specific melody or harmonic structure within a composition.

   Additionally, the term "hexachord" can also be used to describe an instrument or device consisting of six strings or voices. Professional musicians and composers often use hexachords to explore various tonal relationships, melodic patterns, and harmonic progressions.

   Overall, a hexachord is a fundamental concept in music theory and composition. It represents a sequence of six pitches, forming the basis for melodic, harmonic, and tonal structures within a musical composition.

2. A musical instr. of six strings.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HEXACHORD

• gexachord
• bexachord
• nexachord
• jexachord
• uexachord
• yexachord
• hwxachord
• hsxachord
• hdxachord
• hrxachord
• h4xachord
• h3xachord
• hezachord
• hecachord
• hedachord
• hesachord
• hexzchord
• hexschord
• hexwchord

Etymology of HEXACHORD

The word "hexachord" originated from the combination of two Greek roots: "hexa", meaning "six", and "chordē", meaning "string". In ancient Greece, a hexachord referred to a musical scale or series of six notes played on a stringed instrument, such as a lyre. Over time, the term evolved to encompass different musical concepts, including a series of six diatonic tones or notes in medieval music theory. The word has been adapted into various languages, retaining its original meaning of a six-note series in the context of a musical scale.

Plural form of HEXACHORD is HEXACHORDS