tonom

Tonom refers to a musical interval or a chord formed by a specific combination of notes. In Western music theory, intervals are typically described by their size and quality. The size refers to the number of letter names spanned, for example, a third spans from C to E. The quality further refines this, indicating whether the interval is major, minor, perfect, augmented, or diminished.

When three or more notes are sounded simultaneously, they form a chord. Chords are also classified by their constituent intervals. The most basic chords are triads, which consist of three notes. Common triad types include major, minor, diminished, and augmented triads, each possessing a distinct sonic character. The arrangement of notes within a chord, from lowest to highest, is known as its inversion.

The concept of tonom extends beyond simple triads to more complex harmonies, including seventh chords and beyond. These richer harmonic structures add further color and complexity to musical compositions. The precise relationships between the notes within a tonom determine its harmonic function and its role within a given musical context. Understanding tonality and the formation of different tonoms is fundamental to analyzing and composing music. The term can also be used in a broader sense to discuss the overall tonal center or key of a piece of music.