Quarter Tone Intervals
There are twelve new intervals when using quarter tones in addition to the standard twelve present in twelve equal temperament. Each of these come with a new tonal character and sonic palette to be discovered. In addition to the auditory properties of each new interval there also arises a more academic issue, that of classifying and naming the new intervals.
Even with extensive research and reading, I have yet to see a decisive conclusion to the naming and categorizing of these new intervals. Following the formulation and sequence created by the 12TET system, I have developed names and a progression system that I believe fits quite nicely within this new framework.
Even with extensive research and reading, I have yet to see a decisive conclusion to the naming and categorizing of these new intervals. Following the formulation and sequence created by the 12TET system, I have developed names and a progression system that I believe fits quite nicely within this new framework.
Naming
Intervals are named with one of two prefixes; sub- or super. There is also a new type of modality introduced which is referred to as 'neutral' as it sits between the well known minor and major.
Listed below is a diagram which shows the notated representation for each interval as well as the proposed name for the interval. The upper staff shows the intervals created when sharp accidentals are used, and the lower shows flat accidentals.
Intervals are named with one of two prefixes; sub- or super. There is also a new type of modality introduced which is referred to as 'neutral' as it sits between the well known minor and major.
Listed below is a diagram which shows the notated representation for each interval as well as the proposed name for the interval. The upper staff shows the intervals created when sharp accidentals are used, and the lower shows flat accidentals.
Abbreviations
In addition to the newly proposed interval names I also suggest some abbreviations that can be used for discussing interval types and their relations as well as chordal types. These abbreviations were chosen due to their ability to show, in a concise manner, the interval as well as being similar enough to current abbreviations and shorthand so as to be readily integrated into common use.
Notice the use of case to denote the difference between intervals such as minor and Major as well as sub and Super. In choosing the prefixes for the intervals, ones with different first letters were considered but ultimately decided against as none fit as easily and naturally as sub- and Super-. In written notation the abbreviations are further differentiated by drawing a small line above the 'm' when writing minor or subminor.
Here are some example intervals using the proposed abbreviations;
SM7 - Supermajor Seventh
N3 - Neutral Third
sm2 - Subminor Second
d5 - Diminished Fifth
A6 - Augmented Sixth
In addition to the newly proposed interval names I also suggest some abbreviations that can be used for discussing interval types and their relations as well as chordal types. These abbreviations were chosen due to their ability to show, in a concise manner, the interval as well as being similar enough to current abbreviations and shorthand so as to be readily integrated into common use.
- Diminished - d
- Subminor - sm
- Minor - m
- Neutral - N
- Major - M
- Supermajor - SM
- Augmented - A
- Super-augmented - SA
Notice the use of case to denote the difference between intervals such as minor and Major as well as sub and Super. In choosing the prefixes for the intervals, ones with different first letters were considered but ultimately decided against as none fit as easily and naturally as sub- and Super-. In written notation the abbreviations are further differentiated by drawing a small line above the 'm' when writing minor or subminor.
Here are some example intervals using the proposed abbreviations;
SM7 - Supermajor Seventh
N3 - Neutral Third
sm2 - Subminor Second
d5 - Diminished Fifth
A6 - Augmented Sixth
Notations of Proposed QT intervals
quartertone_intervals.pdf | |
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