Definitions of tuning terms

© 1998 by Joseph L. Monzo

All definitions by Joe Monzo unless otherwise cited

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    Second letter of the Greek alphabet, with the following current musical uses:

    1. A scale devised by Wendy Carlos which does not have "octaves", because of its equal "step size" of 63.8 cents, with 18.809 steps per "octave".

    Examples of its use can be found on her album Beauty In The Beast.

    2. An additional letter-name used in Erv Wilson's notations, signifying a note near "B", but with a musical function separate from "B", in whatever particular scale the notation is describing.

    see The Wilson Archives for examples and explanations of his notation.


    (see also alpha and gamma)

    [from Joe Monzo, JustMusic: A New Harmony]

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

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