What are the five tones?

The five tones refer to the five tones of the ancient Chinese pentatonic scale: Gong, Shang, Horn, Zheng and Feather

I. Introduction of the five tones

Gong, Shang, Horn, Zheng and Feather are the names of the five different tones in the pentatonic scale, which are also known as the five tones. They correspond to 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 in the simple meter, i.e. Gong is equal to 1 (Do), Shang is equal to 2 (Re), Horn is equal to 3 (Mi), Chant is equal to 5 (So) and Feather is equal to 6 (La).

These five tones are the basis of ancient music composition and are widely used in various music forms, such as "Guangling San", "High Mountains and Flowing Water" and other classic compositions are composed of pentatonic scales.

The application of pentatonic scale in music

Pentatonic scale is the basis of ancient music creation, which is widely used in various music forms. In ancient music composition, the pentatonic scale was the core of melodic composition, and many classic pieces were composed of pentatonic scales. The pentatonic scale was also used in the composition of folk music and opera music, such as the Xipi and Erhuang tunes in Peking Opera, which are based on the pentatonic scale.

The origin and development of the pentatonic scale

The origin of the pentatonic scale can be traced back to the pre-Qin period, and it was initially represented by the five characters of "gong, shang, jiao, zheng, yu". After a long history of evolution, the pentatonic scale gradually developed and matured, becoming an important part of ancient Chinese music culture. On the basis of the pentatonic scale, ancient Chinese musicians created numerous musical works, such as "Guangling San" and "High Mountains and Flowing Water".

The Pentatonic Scale Associated with Traditional Culture

I. The Importance of the Pentatonic Scale in Ancient Culture

The Pentatonic Scale system influenced all levels of the ancient society, and it became an important part of traditional Chinese culture. In the ancient music system, the five tones were endowed with rich symbolic meanings, linked to social order, morality and ethics.

The five notes and ancient rituals

The five notes are closely related to the ancient ritual system. In ancient court and sacrificial ceremonies, the five tones were used to express respect and blessings to the gods. According to the requirements of different occasions and ceremonies, musicians used the five tones to play the corresponding music to reflect the solemn, solemn or festive atmosphere.