Tools

12-Tone Row Generator

Generate a random twelve-tone row and inspect Prime, Inversion, Retrograde, and Retrograde Inversion forms.

Quick guide

Shape your idea

Choose your settings, generate or import musical material, then listen and refine the result.

  • Musical ideas
  • Playback
  • Settings
  • Export
  • Practice
P₀ I₀ R₀ RI₀
Understand the twelve-tone row

A twelve-tone row presents all 12 pitch classes without repetition. It avoids tonal hierarchy and forms the basis for serial composition.

Current prime row

Prime row score

Read the generated prime row in OSMD notation.
Naming context
C
Range and playback
Rhythm
Key
C
Signature
—
Ready.
Transport
Export and copy

Prime

P₀

The original ordered row.

Inversion

I₀

Intervals are mirrored around the first pitch.

Retrograde

R₀

The row played backward.

Retrograde inversion

RI₀

The inversion played backward.

Twelve-tone matrix

All transpositions of the row and its inversion.

Composition tips

How to use this tool

Develop an idea

Use the tool as a starting point: listen to each proposal, keep what supports your musical intention, and gradually reshape the material.

Build effectively

  • Begin with a few settings and generate a first proposal.
  • Listen, compare, and change one element at a time.
  • Export or replay the result to continue your composition.

Related resources