Music Software projects New york university Adjunct Instructor Scott Burton

How “off” is the tempered scale (compared to harmonic series)?

Other even tempered scales

Equal Tempered Deviations

Harmony Interval Horizontally: a scale step Vertically: a two note chord More than two notes sounded simultaneously is usually considered a “chord” although technically one can have a two note chord (e.g., “power chord”)

Circle of Fifths Clockwise – up by Fifths C to G up is a fifth Counter-Clockwise – down by Fifths C to F down is a fifth “Major” key is represented by the first 7 intervals in the Pythagorean Scale “Minor” key is represented by scale that uses the same notes as the major scale but scale starts on the 6 th note of the Major scale Major and Minor modes are special modes in the West…

Assignment for Next Week Play the Circle of Fifths starting with C Play the Major Scale for two cases: 1. Pythagorean Scale 2. Even-tempered Scale 1. Adjust the frequencies to be within 4 octaves (2 up and 2 down from starting octave) Build a “chord” class (a collection of intervals). Weill need to play the chord tones simultaneously. For example, a three note major chord starting with C (528Hz) First (C) Major Third (E or 4 semi-tones/half-steps up) Fifth (G or 7 semi-tones/half-steps up) Using ET: Play chords by traversing the Circle of Fifths. Play just 6 chords starting with F Root or 1 of the chords will be: F, C, G, D, A, E Move up in pitch (clockwise) Keep semi-tone count the same between the chord notes Only play chords using ET methodology