Tonality of the month: PhrygReach

PhrygReach or Neapolitan minor — calm sound sample, extensive (a.k.a. “Peaceful heart” — slowly but surely) — 8-string guitar, tingsha cymbal pair, tanpura — 5:10 — as loop on a separate tab (or via right click, if available)

The tonality of the month for July/August 2023 is PhrygReach or Neapolitan minor — a fully anchored Reach heptatonality and prime Na tonality. The name indicates that the lower tetrachord has a Phrygian tonal character and that a Reach step (augmented second) is in the upper tetrachord. Two axes are at symmetrical angles. Its harmonically least anchored pitch, the major seventh, contributes much to this tonality’s flavoring. It is essential in framing the fundamental or octave between two successive half steps. Plus it forms the Reach step and the second axis. But most of all, the major seventh adds a distinct major flavored contrast to the underlying, otherwise very pronounced Phrygian or minor structure.

You may enjoy a sound sample or tonality loop as sound mantra for contemplation or meditation. This can help with upliftment, purification, and focusing. Or it could simply be used as soothing background sound for relaxation and regeneration. If you care to hum, chant, or sing along, you could use a spiritually charged syllable like HU or Ōṃ / Aum ॐ, or another mantra syllable that suits you.

Tonality of the month: PhrygReach
Tonality of the month: PhrygReach or Neapolitan minor — summary visualization of pitches, intervals, and harmonic axes