Microtone - Revision history

FloraC: - about notice (target page has been removed)

2026-03-09T09:47:03Z

- about notice (target page has been removed)

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:47, 9 March 2026
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	{{Wikipedia\| Microtonal music #Microtone }}		{{Wikipedia\| Microtonal music #Microtone }}
	~~{{About\|1=microtonal intervals\|2=the interval size measure\|3=Microtone (interval size measure)}}~~

	A '''microtone''' is any [[interval]] between two musical sounds that cannot be represented by a whole number of semitones.		A '''microtone''' is any [[interval]] between two musical sounds that cannot be represented by a whole number of semitones.

Fredg999: Use "whole number" instead of "integer number" (more beginner-friendly); remove "literal definition": micro- has meant "small" way before meaning one millionth (1873), and therefore the current definition is the most literal one. The "one millionth" interpretation has been moved to User:Xenwolf/Microtone.

2025-04-01T01:23:50Z

Use "whole number" instead of "integer number" (more beginner-friendly); remove "literal definition": micro- has meant "small" way before meaning one millionth (1873), and therefore the current definition is the most literal one. The "one millionth" interpretation has been moved to User:Xenwolf/Microtone.

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:23, 1 April 2025
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	{{About\|1=microtonal intervals\|2=the interval size measure\|3=Microtone (interval size measure)}}		{{About\|1=microtonal intervals\|2=the interval size measure\|3=Microtone (interval size measure)}}

	A '''microtone''' is any [[interval]] between two musical sounds that cannot be represented by ~~an integer~~ number of semitones.		A '''microtone''' is any [[interval]] between two musical sounds that cannot be represented by a whole number of semitones.

	[[Microtonal music]], in a broad sense, is any music composed and performed with any musical intervals outside of the set of those generally accepted in western music traditions. A microtonal interval, in generally speech, refers to such an interval, which cannot be broken down into standard western theoretical semitones. In more specific contexts, the meaning of this term might evaporate into that which is vaguely supported by other more specific or technical terms. Some music theorists with experience in xenharmonic music might tend to think of microtones as intervals smaller than semitones and therefore use a juxtaposed term, such as "macrotone" to describe an interval larger than a semitone but also not ~~an integer~~ number of semitones. Other music theorists within this field of study may avoid this distinction or avoid using the term to describe the field itself or the music or ideas used to compose the music therein.		[[Microtonal music]], in a broad sense, is any music composed and performed with any musical intervals outside of the set of those generally accepted in western music traditions. A microtonal interval, in generally speech, refers to such an interval, which cannot be broken down into standard western theoretical semitones. In more specific contexts, the meaning of this term might evaporate into that which is vaguely supported by other more specific or technical terms. Some music theorists with experience in xenharmonic music might tend to think of microtones as intervals smaller than semitones and therefore use a juxtaposed term, such as "macrotone" to describe an interval larger than a semitone but also not a whole number of semitones. Other music theorists within this field of study may avoid this distinction or avoid using the term to describe the field itself or the music or ideas used to compose the music therein.

	~~A literal definition has been constructed for use within a xenharmonic theoretical context, see [[Microtone (interval size measure)]]~~.

	[[Category:Terms]]		[[Category:Terms]]

FloraC: Linking; rework on mentions of the literal definition

2023-08-23T03:43:17Z

Linking; rework on mentions of the literal definition

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:43, 23 August 2023
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	\| ja =		\| ja =
	}}		}}
			{{Wikipedia\| Microtonal music #Microtone }}
	{{About\|1=microtonal intervals\|2=the interval size measure\|3=Microtone (interval size measure)}}		{{About\|1=microtonal intervals\|2=the interval size measure\|3=Microtone (interval size measure)}}

	A '''microtone''' is any [[interval]] between two musical sounds that cannot be represented by an integer number of semitones.		A '''microtone''' is any [[interval]] between two musical sounds that cannot be represented by an integer number of semitones.

	"Microtonal" music, in a broad sense, is any music composed and performed with any musical intervals outside of the set of those generally accepted in western music traditions. A microtonal interval, in generally speech, refers to such an interval, which cannot be broken down into standard western theoretical semitones. In more specific contexts, the meaning of this term might evaporate into that which is vaguely supported by other more specific or technical terms. Some music theorists with experience in xenharmonic music might tend to think of microtones as intervals smaller than semitones and therefore use a juxtaposed term, such as "macrotone" to describe an interval larger than a semitone but also not an integer number of semitones. Other music theorists within this field of study may avoid this distinction or avoid using the term to describe the field itself or the music or ideas used to compose the music therein. A literal definition has been constructed for use within a xenharmonic theoretical context, ~~which is more intuitive, more specific, and of practical use~~ (~~as a fine limit of precision~~).		[[Microtonal music]], in a broad sense, is any music composed and performed with any musical intervals outside of the set of those generally accepted in western music traditions. A microtonal interval, in generally speech, refers to such an interval, which cannot be broken down into standard western theoretical semitones. In more specific contexts, the meaning of this term might evaporate into that which is vaguely supported by other more specific or technical terms. Some music theorists with experience in xenharmonic music might tend to think of microtones as intervals smaller than semitones and therefore use a juxtaposed term, such as "macrotone" to describe an interval larger than a semitone but also not an integer number of semitones. Other music theorists within this field of study may avoid this distinction or avoid using the term to describe the field itself or the music or ideas used to compose the music therein.

			A literal definition has been constructed for use within a xenharmonic theoretical context, see [[Microtone (interval size measure)]].

	[[Category:Terms]]		[[Category:Terms]]

FloraC: Separate the other sense of the word to its own page

2023-08-23T03:33:51Z

Separate the other sense of the word to its own page

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 {{interwiki
 | de = Mikroton
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 | ja =
 }}
 "Microtonal" music, in a broad sense, is any music composed and performed with any musical intervals outside of the set of those generally accepted in western music traditions.  A microtonal interval, in generally speech, refers to such an interval, which cannot be broken down into standard western theoretical semitones.  In more specific contexts, the meaning of this term might evaporate into that which is vaguely supported by other more specific or technical terms.  Some music theorists with experience in xenharmonic music might tend to think of microtones as intervals smaller than semitones and therefore use a juxtaposed term, such as "macrotone" to describe an interval larger than a semitone but also not an integer number of semitones.  Other music theorists within this field of study may avoid this distinction or avoid using the term to describe the field itself or the music or ideas used to compose the music therein.  A literal definition has been constructed for use within a xenharmonic theoretical context, which is more intuitive, more specific, and of practical use (as a fine limit of precision).
-== Literal microtone meaning ==
+[[Category:Terms]]

Fredg999: Misc. edits

2023-08-22T04:17:14Z

Misc. edits

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:17, 22 August 2023
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	== Practical ~~Microtone Meaning~~ ==		== Practical microtone meaning ==
	"Microtonal" music, in a broad sense, is any music composed and performed with any musical intervals outside of the set of those generally accepted in western music traditions. A microtonal interval, in generally speech, refers to such an interval, which cannot be broken down into standard western theoretical semitones. In more specific contexts, the meaning of this term might evaporate into that which is vaguely supported by other more specific or technical terms. Some music theorists with experience in xenharmonic music might tend to think of microtones as intervals smaller than semitones and therefore use a juxtaposed term, such as "macrotone" to describe an interval larger than a semitone but also not an integer number of semitones. Other music theorists within this field of study may avoid this distinction or avoid using the term to describe the field itself or the music or ideas used to compose the music therein. A literal definition has been constructed for use within a xenharmonic theoretical context, which is more intuitive, more specific, and of practical use (as a fine limit of precision).		"Microtonal" music, in a broad sense, is any music composed and performed with any musical intervals outside of the set of those generally accepted in western music traditions. A microtonal interval, in generally speech, refers to such an interval, which cannot be broken down into standard western theoretical semitones. In more specific contexts, the meaning of this term might evaporate into that which is vaguely supported by other more specific or technical terms. Some music theorists with experience in xenharmonic music might tend to think of microtones as intervals smaller than semitones and therefore use a juxtaposed term, such as "macrotone" to describe an interval larger than a semitone but also not an integer number of semitones. Other music theorists within this field of study may avoid this distinction or avoid using the term to describe the field itself or the music or ideas used to compose the music therein. A literal definition has been constructed for use within a xenharmonic theoretical context, which is more intuitive, more specific, and of practical use (as a fine limit of precision).

	== Literal ~~Microtone Meaning~~ ==		== Literal microtone meaning ==
	The '''~~Microtone~~''' is an [[interval ~~measure~~]] that can be considered as sufficiently precise for all thinkable musical and music-science purposes. Besides its high accuracy, it is of high neutrality since it favors neither twelve-tonality nor even the [[octave]]. Nevertheless its relevance for practical application in music is low due to the incompatibility with "[[human scale]]". Humans are not good at big numbers and have only limited pitch perception (the [[Just-noticeable difference]] (JND) is around 6 cents).		The '''microtone''' is a [[unit of interval size]] that can be considered as sufficiently precise for all thinkable musical and music-science purposes. Besides its high accuracy, it is of high neutrality since it favors neither twelve-tonality nor even the [[octave]]. Nevertheless its relevance for practical application in music is low due to the incompatibility with "[[human scale]]". Humans are not good at big numbers and have only limited pitch perception (the [[Just-noticeable difference]] (JND) is around 6 cents).

	One actual microtone ('''1µt''') would be defined as one millionth of the [[tone]]. Alternately, one symmetric microtone or "round number" microtone can be pemitted to be derived from 1/6 of an octave.		One actual microtone ('''1µt''') would be defined as one millionth of the [[tone]]. Alternately, one symmetric microtone or "round number" microtone can be pemitted to be derived from 1/6 of an octave.
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	<references />		<references />

	== The ~~Microtone Challenge~~ ==		== The microtone challenge ==

	A microtone is indeed a very small interval: 4,904 microtones make one [[cent]], and 5,884,949 an octave.		A microtone is indeed a very small interval: 4,904 microtones make one [[cent]], and 5,884,949 an octave.

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	== See also ==		== See also ==

	* [[Unnoticeable comma]]		* [[Unnoticeable comma]]

	== External links ==		== External links ==

	* [http://musictheory.zentral.zone/huntsystem2.html#2 H-Pi Instruments \| Hunt System Scale] - section "The JND"		* [http://musictheory.zentral.zone/huntsystem2.html#2 H-Pi Instruments \| Hunt System Scale] - section "The JND"
	* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitch_(music)#Just-noticeable_difference Pitch (music) - Wikipedia] - section "Just-noticeable difference"		* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitch_(music)#Just-noticeable_difference Pitch (music) - Wikipedia] - section "Just-noticeable difference"

	[[Category:Interval size measure]]		[[Category:Interval size measure]]

Xenwolf: /* The Microtone Challenge */ article needed

2022-03-24T07:12:56Z

The Microtone Challenge: article needed

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:12, 24 March 2022
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	However, two sounds different only by only 1µt produce a very slow [[beat]]; depending on the frequency one have to wait more or less to recognize it. The beat frequency is		However, two sounds different only by only 1µt produce a very slow [[beat]]; depending on the frequency one have to wait more or less to recognize it. The beat frequency is

	* at the upper limit of the hearing range (20 kHz) 7 minutes		* at the upper limit of the [[human hearing range]] (20 kHz) 7 minutes
	* in the range of the highest acoustic sensibility (4 kHz) 35 minutes		* in the range of the highest acoustic sensibility (4 kHz) 35 minutes
	* at the lower limit of the hearing range (16 Hz) 7 days		* at the lower limit of the hearing range (16 Hz) 7 days

Sintel: Point to correct reference

2021-12-28T01:22:42Z

Point to correct reference

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:22, 28 December 2021
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	Given this, will it be ever possible to make a ''microtone experience'' at all?		Given this, will it be ever possible to make a ''microtone experience'' at all?

	According to ~~Adam Neely~~, the slowest ~~perceivable~~ beat humans can ~~generally~~ distinguish ~~[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afhSDK5DJqA~~ is about 33 bpm]. Therefore, the general lowest limit of human perception between tones is roughly 250 µt, or about 0.05 cents. A more practical approximation might be to take 33 bpm of interference beats at 4 kHz, which is about 0.25 cents, as a practical limit of perceived difference between two simultaneously performed tones. With that in mind, it seems that adjustments in tuning of practical music on the order of microtones is necessarily imperceptible even to the most veteran ears.		According to Paul Fraisse, the slowest beat humans can subjectively distinguish is about 1800ms, which corresponds to about 33 bpm<ref>Fraisse, P. (1982). Rhythm and tempo. In D. Deutsch (Ed.), The psychology of music (pp. 149-180). New York: Academic Press.</ref>. Therefore, the general lowest limit of human perception between tones is roughly 250 µt, or about 0.05 cents. A more practical approximation might be to take 33 bpm of interference beats at 4 kHz, which is about 0.25 cents, as a practical limit of perceived difference between two simultaneously performed tones. With that in mind, it seems that adjustments in tuning of practical music on the order of microtones is necessarily imperceptible even to the most veteran ears.

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Fredg999: Categories

2021-12-10T02:18:03Z

Eliora: /* Literal Microtone Meaning */

2021-10-24T14:40:26Z

Literal Microtone Meaning

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:40, 24 October 2021
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	The '''Microtone''' is an [[interval measure]] that can be considered as sufficiently precise for all thinkable musical and music-science purposes. Besides its high accuracy, it is of high neutrality since it favors neither twelve-tonality nor even the [[octave]]. Nevertheless its relevance for practical application in music is low due to the incompatibility with "[[human scale]]". Humans are not good at big numbers and have only limited pitch perception (the [[Just-noticeable difference]] (JND) is around 6 cents).		The '''Microtone''' is an [[interval measure]] that can be considered as sufficiently precise for all thinkable musical and music-science purposes. Besides its high accuracy, it is of high neutrality since it favors neither twelve-tonality nor even the [[octave]]. Nevertheless its relevance for practical application in music is low due to the incompatibility with "[[human scale]]". Humans are not good at big numbers and have only limited pitch perception (the [[Just-noticeable difference]] (JND) is around 6 cents).

	One actual microtone ('''1µt''') would be defined as one millionth of the [[tone]]:		One actual microtone ('''1µt''') would be defined as one millionth of the [[tone]]. Alternately, one symmetric microtone or "round number" microtone can be pemitted to be derived from 1/6 of an octave.

	{\| class="wikitable right-3"		{\| class="wikitable right-3"
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	\| <tt>0.000,203,910,002</tt>		\| <tt>0.000,203,910,002</tt>
	\| <tt>2.03910001730774835488973465474759621023555E-4</tt>		\| <tt>2.03910001730774835488973465474759621023555E-4</tt>
			\|-
			\|Tone (=2\12)
			\|200¢ (exactly)
			\|200
			\|2E+2
			\|-
			\|Microtone
			\|200µ¢
			\|0.0002
			\|2E-4
	\|}		\|}

Bozu: Added summary

2020-06-18T17:28:34Z

Added summary

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:28, 18 June 2020
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			The term '''microtone''' may have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Generally, it can mean any interval between two musical sounds that cannot be represented by an integer number of semitones, or, it can mean one one-millionth of a [[Tone\|whole tone]].

	{{interwiki		{{interwiki
	\| de = Mikroton		\| de = Mikroton

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:18, 10 December 2021
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	* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitch_(music)#Just-noticeable_difference Pitch (music) - Wikipedia] - section "Just-noticeable difference"		* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitch_(music)#Just-noticeable_difference Pitch (music) - Wikipedia] - section "Just-noticeable difference"

	[[Category:Interval measure]]		[[Category:Interval size measure]]