Hexachord

A hexachord is a six-note scale used in early musical theory, particularly in the medieval and Renaissance periods. It consists of six consecutive pitches, usually encompassing a specific pattern of whole and half steps. Musicians employed hexachords to organize melodies and understand how scales functioned before the modern concept of a 12-tone chromatic scale was developed. They often used different types of hexachords (like "natural," "hard," and "soft") to transition smoothly between keys. Essentially, the hexachord was a foundational tool for studying and creating music during those times, helping musicians understand harmony and melody.