Characteristic Interval, C.I.

The largest and nominally uppermost interval in the tetrachord. The size of this interval is the principal determinant of the genus as Diatonic, Chromatic, Enharmonic.

[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