About this Index

This page is an addendum limited to patterns derived from symmetric scales found on the index of scales. The inclusion criteria for these ten scales may be found there as well.  

Note that in addition to my own sets of symmetric patterns I have also included an edited cross index of patterns of the same scales from The Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns [Slonimsky, Nicolas. Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns. Charles Scribner's Sons, 1947. Print.]. 

The Columns 

Scale Name & AKA

The bottom line is this: with the exception of the Whole Tone scale, none of the symmetric scales have an established, standardized nomenclature. I've attempted to be consistent on this website but it is not my intention to suggest that the names used here are, in any way, anything more than an ad hoc solution. Please refer this guide for a clarification to my method.

Type, Points of Symmetry, Quality

With these columns I've attempted to provide brief, objective descriptions that may be suggestive to broader applications of the scales and patterns listed below. 

NS, PDF, Audio

Here you'll find links to original patterns and personal favorites (sometimes heavily edited) of Nicolas Slonimsky. In PDF and mp3 formats.

Dominos

Two dimensional representations - very similar to guitar grids - as an easy means to illustrate the structures of symmetric scales. Click here to view the gamut of symmetric subdivisions of the octave in this form.