POST TONAL Matrix Calculator

The free 12-tone matrix calculator for composers and music students

First choose the number of tones in your tone row. You can then generate a random row of that length, or choose Create Your Own.

Before you type in your custom tone row, you can decide to allow repeat tones or follow the more traditional serial technique of not repeating notes in a tone row.

The Post Tonal Matrix Calculator will then generate a matrix of tone rows based on your primary row, giving you all of the possible interval-consistent prime rows, retrograde, inversions, and retrograde-inversions.

Please report bugs, problems, or suggestions for improvement here.

The Milton Babbitt Square

One of the simplest equations for calculating your own tonal matrix is to produce the first inversion row (left-hand column) by subtracting each of the primary tones from 12, which gives you the compliment number: the inversion. To fill out the rest of the matrix, you add the number at the top of the column to the number at the head of the new row. This is the Milton Babbitt Square, or serial tonal matrix.

Experiment with Intervals

Although you can use your Post Tonal app to apply rigorous 12-tone Serial techniques; it is not your only option. You can use the Matrix Calculator to explore simple short tone rows and even enable repeat tones in your custom tone series.

You can toggle between distinct mode and repeat-tone mode in order to hint at "tonality" by introducing unison and octave intervals. 

Direct musical feedback on your iPhone or iPad

Enable or Disable Sounds 

In version 1.0.1 the Post Tonal Matrix Calculator played only the tones of your custom row as you enter the notes. 

Play all permutations !

The new release will give the composer instant feedback by playing the tones in any tone row when selected.

Select from four instruments: Piano, Violin, Sine wave, and Synth Bass