Definitions of tuning terms

© 1998 by Joseph L. Monzo

All definitions by Joe Monzo unless otherwise cited


degree


  • 1. Refers to the ordinal "steps" in a diatonic scale, usually designated with Roman numerals: I II III IV V VI VII.

    Six of the degrees also have a Latin name, and one degree a vernacular name, associated with them:

    VII[leading tone]
    VIsubmediant
    V dominant
    IVsubdominant
    IIImediant
    IIsupertonic
    I tonic

  • 2. Refers to the pitches in an equal-tempered scale, one degree being the basic "step" size in the scale.

    The degree is also the numerator of the fractional exponent of 2 which gives the ratio of the interval, the total number of degrees in the scale being the denominator. For example, the 7th degree of the 12-eq scale has the ratio 2(7/12).

    [from Joe Monzo, JustMusic: A New Harmony]


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