Twelve-tone row

A twelve-tone row is a musical technique used in atonal music where all twelve pitch classes (notes within an octave) are arranged in a specific order called a "row." This row forms the basis for a composition, ensuring each of the twelve notes is used equally, without emphasizing any particular pitch. Composers may manipulate the row through different transformations—such as reversing or shifting it—to create variety while maintaining the overall structure. This method helps achieve a cohesive, balanced sound in music that avoids traditional tonal centers like major or minor keys.