While any twelve different colors could be used to make the patterns inherent in the scales visible, the use of twelve hues that form a gradient allows for a more direct correspondence between the 12-tone chromatic scale and the 12-color tertiary color wheel.

When the Tonal Relativity project began in 2015, we chose squares to indicate whole steps and half-squares (rectangles and triangles) to indicate half-steps (in both color and pitch). The 2020 version has taken on a circular shape that reveals additional information.

All of the pieces in color began as paintings in gouache on paper at a scale of ½ inch = ½ step in both color and pitch (one octave therefore equals 6”) and later digitally altered. Please see Instagram for views of these original sketches in the studio. Various incarnations of the Tonal Relativity project linked at left.

While the color wheel at the top of this page can be used as a key to the color relationships, the image below can be used as a key to the patterns depicted in the seven Modes of the Major Scale. A large dot represents a whole step, a small dot represents a half step:

ALYCE SANTORO

ALYCE SANTORO