Definitions of tuning terms

© 1998 by Joseph L. Monzo

All definitions by Joe Monzo unless otherwise cited


6th-tone, sixth-tone, 1/6-tone


    Calculated as the 36th root of 2, or 2(1/36), an irrational proportion with the approximate ratio of 1: 1.019440643702, and an interval size of exactly 33 & 1/3 cents.

    It is the size of one degree, and thus the basic "step" size, in the 36-eq (or 36-ET) scale, also called the "sixth-tone scale" or system.

    One of the most famous advocates of this system was Ferrucio Busoni, in his Sketch for a New Aesthetic of Music [1907]. On Busoni's encouragement, Alois Hába began composing in 36-ET, and both Busoni and Hába had keyboard instruments built in the 1920s which could be played in this tuning.

    [from Joe Monzo, JustMusic: A New Harmony]


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