neutral 3rd, neutral third, n3

An interval intermediate in size between the Major Third and the Minor Third.

Neutral Thirds measure about 350 cents (¢) and typical examples are 11/9 (347¢), 27/22 (355¢) and 16/13 (359¢).

[from John Chalmers, Divisions of the Tetrachord]

---

(to download a zip file of the entire Dictionary, click here)

For many more diagrams and explanations of historical tunings, see my book. If you don't understand my theory or the terms I've used, start here

I welcome feedback about this webpage: corrections, improvements, good links. Let me know if you don't understand something. return to the Microtonal Dictionary index return to my home page return to the Sonic Arts home page