Descending tetrachord

In music theory, the descending tetrachord is a series of four notes from a scale, or tetrachord, arranged in order from highest to lowest, or descending order. For example, -♭-♭- , as created by the Andalusian cadence. The descending tetrachord may fill a perfect fourth or a chromatic fourth.

Descending tetrachord in a minor: -♭-♭- (a-g-f-e) Play^ⓘ.

The Phrygian progression creates a descending tetrachord bassline: -♭-♭- .
Phrygian half cadence: i-v6-iv6-V in c minor (bassline: c -b♭-a♭-g) Play^ⓘ.

See also

• Chaconne
• Lament bass