Three is an odd number.

The minor seventh chord has an odd number of three

elements 1. a minor third 2. a major third, and 3. a minor third. The minor seventh
chord is symmetrical with a single axis of symmetry which is the major third
interval. Harmonisation can be made with symmetrical minor seventh chords.

Four is an even number. The dominant ninth has an even number of elements 1.
Major third 2. Minor third 3. Minor third and 4. Major third. The dominant ninth
chord is symmetrical with a double axis of symmetry which is the minor
third/minor third interval pair.

This distinction between minor seventh and dominant ninth chords is of enormous
importance for music.

A double chromatic semitone neighbour (S - S) encircling a degree of a scale is

symmetrical. An alternation of semitones and whole tones (S —T —S) is also a
symmetrical arrangement of intervals.

A melody can be written in the Dorian mode that is symmetrical. It is the only
diatonic mode that retains all its intervals when inverted. The other diatonic modes
are related by inversion as follows: Ionian inverts to Phrygian, Aeolian to
Mixolydian, Lydian to Locrian.

The Dorian mode, conceived as a pair of symmetrical (T - S - T) tetrachords placed

a whole step apart, can interact easily with the octatonic scale, conceived as a pair
of similar tetrachords placed a half step apart. Either tetrachord can be held in
common while the other is transposed.