3 ms·

I'm far from an expert on the subject, but I think this is a better explanation than the author's of why we settled on a 12-note scale. However, the history of

I'm far from an expert on the subject, but I think this is a better explanation than the author's of why we settled on a 12-note scale. However, the history of the adoption of "equal temperament" (distributing the .014 "comma" equally among the twelve notes) is more complicated. In fact, many classical composers used other systems for distributing it (called "temperaments"). In those other temperaments, transposing a music piece to another tonality (i.e. moving every note upwards or downwards by the same amount, for example, changing every C to a D, every D to an E, etc.) didn't sound "the same, but starting from a different place", it changed the piece more substantially (e.g. it might make it sound brighter or darker in character).

navane 5y ago
Thank you. I played with unequal temperaments on my digital piano, but I couldn't hear any difference. I thought using a tuning in line with the piece I'm playing would bring out the harmonies more, but I couldn't hear a difference. When I realized how they arrived at the 12 note scale, it suddenly made sense why some pieces were written in C or in Bb; they would actually sound different on a non-equally-tempered instrument. Additionally; fretless string instruments (cello, violin) can play with these temperaments on the fly, as only the four base notes are "hard tuned" in their instrument. I also heard that certain choirs (barbers quartet) sing in an unequal temperament, which gives them their distinct sound. It is so cool that the notes don't fit on a scale, but the overwhelming majority of people (including me) can't hear that. It is so counterintuitive.