Definitions of tuning terms

© 1998 by Joseph L. Monzo

All definitions by Joe Monzo unless otherwise cited


temper


    The operation of slightly altering the tuning of an interval, often the Perfect fifth, so that a chain of such altered intervals results in another musical interval such as the octave.

    In general tempered intervals are irrational and not definable by ratios of integers.

    [from John Chalmers, Divisions of the Tetrachord]


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