Definitions of tuning terms

© 1998 by Joseph L. Monzo

All definitions by Joe Monzo unless otherwise cited


tone


    A vastly overworked word in the musical lexicon.

    1. When encountered in tuning theory, it generally refers to the "whole tone", an interval size with the ratio 8:9, which is equivalent to 2.04 Semitones, 204 cents, and approximately 1/6 of an octave.

    2. It is also frequently used in a general sense to refer to an interval size of 2 semitones, whatever its exact cents value.

    3. It is also frequently used in a very general sense to mean simply a sustained sound with a recognizable pitch, or to refer to an element in a set of pitches, as in a tuning system, scale, or chord; for example, 'a 7-tone scale'.

    [from Joe Monzo, JustMusic: A New Harmony]

    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    Any musical interval approximating 200 cents (¢).

    In Just Intonation, the intervals 10/9, 9/8, and 8/7 are all considered Whole Tones, in contrast to Half-Tones or Semitones such as 16/15 or 256/243.

    Tone may also mean a musical sound.

    It is equivalent to mode in late ecclesiastical music theory.

    [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