Comma pump: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Comma_pump_progressions.png|thumb|Schematic overview of three different kinds of progressions. A non-looping progression is an open path, both in JI and when tempered. A looping progression is a closed path. A '''comma pump''' is an open path in JI that becomes closed when tempered.]] | |||
A '''comma pump''' is a harmonic sequence (or chord progression) wherein the [[tonic]] shifts up or down by a [[comma]] every time the sequence is traversed. | |||
== In just intonation == | |||
This means that in [[just intonation]] (JI), the chord progression would not return to the original starting pitch, but a different pitch that is a comma off. If the chord progression is repeated many times, the tuning will steadily rise or fall (and also an unlimited number of different pitches would be required). | |||
== In | |||
This means that in [[ | |||
== Tempered == | == Tempered == | ||
If, on the other hand, the chord progression is played in a [[Regular_Temperaments|temperament]] in which the comma vanishes, it does return to exactly the same starting pitch. This means that comma pumps are very characteristic chord progressions of a particular temperament family. For example, Western classical and popular music is in [[Meantone|meantone]] or [[12edo|12edo]], which tempers out 81/80, and accordingly [[Meantone_comma_pump_examples|81/80 comma pumps]] are very familiar chord progressions. Comma pumps corresponding to other commas of 12edo, for example 128/125 or 225/224, may form the basis of interesting chord progressions in jazz or other 12edo music. | If, on the other hand, the chord progression is played in a [[Regular_Temperaments|temperament]] in which the comma vanishes, it does return to exactly the same starting pitch. This means that comma pumps are very characteristic chord progressions of a particular temperament family. For example, Western classical and popular music is in [[Meantone|meantone]] or [[12edo|12edo]], which tempers out 81/80, and accordingly [[Meantone_comma_pump_examples|81/80 comma pumps]] are very familiar chord progressions. Comma pumps corresponding to other commas of 12edo, for example 128/125 or 225/224, may form the basis of interesting chord progressions in jazz or other 12edo music. | ||
== JI "Zero comma pumps" == | == JI "Zero comma pumps" == | ||
"Zero comma pumps" are possible in JI systems which contain the comma as an interval. In this case, like the tempered version, the original pitch is returned to. However, this is achieved by changing pitch an additional time across that comma-sized interval (or skipping the pitch which is a comma off from the original pitch). | "Zero comma pumps" are possible in JI systems which contain the comma as an interval. In this case, like the tempered version, the original pitch is returned to. However, this is achieved by changing pitch an additional time across that comma-sized interval (or skipping the pitch which is a comma off from the original pitch). | ||
== Other examples == | == Other examples == | ||
For other examples of comma pumps, see [[Comma pump examples]]. | |||
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Latest revision as of 21:55, 6 May 2025
A comma pump is a harmonic sequence (or chord progression) wherein the tonic shifts up or down by a comma every time the sequence is traversed.
In just intonation
This means that in just intonation (JI), the chord progression would not return to the original starting pitch, but a different pitch that is a comma off. If the chord progression is repeated many times, the tuning will steadily rise or fall (and also an unlimited number of different pitches would be required).
Tempered
If, on the other hand, the chord progression is played in a temperament in which the comma vanishes, it does return to exactly the same starting pitch. This means that comma pumps are very characteristic chord progressions of a particular temperament family. For example, Western classical and popular music is in meantone or 12edo, which tempers out 81/80, and accordingly 81/80 comma pumps are very familiar chord progressions. Comma pumps corresponding to other commas of 12edo, for example 128/125 or 225/224, may form the basis of interesting chord progressions in jazz or other 12edo music.
JI "Zero comma pumps"
"Zero comma pumps" are possible in JI systems which contain the comma as an interval. In this case, like the tempered version, the original pitch is returned to. However, this is achieved by changing pitch an additional time across that comma-sized interval (or skipping the pitch which is a comma off from the original pitch).
Other examples
For other examples of comma pumps, see Comma pump examples.