RI, rational intonation

A term and acronym I coined to distinguish tunings calculated by ratios of large numbers from those with small-integer terms and/or an audible property of containing many very consonant intervals. The latter is a special case of RI called just-intonation or JI, whereas RI is the more general category of tunings which includes all JIs.

A notorious example of an RI which is not synonymous with JI is the tuning of the Hammond organ. All 12 pitches bear rational relationships, with terms of one or two digits (thus, this tuning is a 100-integer-limit tuning), but which sounds for all intents and purposes like 12edo.

Not to be confused with the Sanskrit syllable ri.

[from Joe Monzo, JustMusic: A New Harmony]

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