Definitions of tuning terms
© 1998 by Joseph L. Monzo
All definitions by Joe Monzo unless otherwise cited
Semitone
I feel that
since the prime-factor or
ratio notations give precise measurements,
and 1/1200th of an "octave" is approximately the limit of human pitch discrimination,
more precision than this is not ordinarily needed, and I prefer to use
the decimal point so that the interval may be related immediately to the
familiar 12-EQ scale. I use cents on occasion, when
I feel that more precision is valuable.
In this specific sense, the Semitone is calculated as the 12th root of 2, or
2(1/12), an irrational proportion with the approximate ratio of
1:1.059463094359.
[from Joe Monzo, JustMusic:
A New Harmony]
A Half
Tone, a musical
interval ranging from
about 25/24
(71 cents [¢])
to 27/25 (133¢). Unless qualified by context, a semitone equals
100¢.
Semitones measuring less than 100¢ are technically
microtones.
[from John Chalmers, Divisions of the Tetrachord]
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