Enharmonic: Difference between revisions

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Two intervals or notes are '''enharmonically equivalent''' or simply '''enharmonic''' if they are mapped to the same number of steps in a tempered tuning system. For example, in 5edo, E and F are enharmonic because they are both mapped to 480 cents above C, and in 12edo, the augmented fourth and diminished fifth are enharmonic because they are both mapped to the semioctave of 600 cents.
The term '''enharmonic''' has several meanings.  


Intervals can also be called enharmonic if they are close together but not exactly the same, for example if they are separated by a small comma, like the [[Pythagorean diminished fourth]] and [[81/64|Pythagorean major third]]. This extends to interval regions and categories, where interval categories that mostly overlap (like augmented thirds and perfect fourths) are considered "enharmonic".  
'''In regards to intervals or notes:'''
* Two intervals or notes an [[enharmonic diesis]] apart, such as the augmented fourth and the diminished fifth, or C♯ and D♭. In [[12edo]], such intervals or notes are tuned to the same size or pitch, so they are '''enharmonically equivalent'''. In any tuning whose [[perfect fifth]] is not the same as 12edo's, enharmonic intervals or notes are distinct.
* By extension, intervals mapped to the same number of steps in any [[temperament|tempered]] [[tuning system]]. This is technically a misnomer that arose from the ubiquity of 12edo. The clearer term is ''equivalent'' or ''equated''. For example, in [[5edo]], E and F are equivalent/equated since they are both mapped to 480 cents above C.  


Other than this, the term '''enharmonic''' has several meanings.
'''In regards to scales:'''
 
'''In regards to scales, see:'''
* A [[mos scale]] of 17 or 19 notes that is 7a 12b or 5a 12b with unspecified sizes for a and b (descended from 5L 2s such that diatonic enharmonic equivalents become distinct generic interval classes), which can be:
* A [[mos scale]] of 17 or 19 notes that is 7a 12b or 5a 12b with unspecified sizes for a and b (descended from 5L 2s such that diatonic enharmonic equivalents become distinct generic interval classes), which can be:
** [[7L 12s|7L 12s (f-enharmonic)]]
** [[7L 12s|7L 12s (f-enharmonic)]]
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* The enharmonic genus, a {{w|genus (music)|genus}} in ancient Greek music theory containing scales with comma-sized steps
* The enharmonic genus, a {{w|genus (music)|genus}} in ancient Greek music theory containing scales with comma-sized steps


'''In regards to interval classification, see:'''
== See also ==
* [[Diatonic, chromatic, enharmonic, subchromatic]], a hierarchy of [[interval class]]es, which explores the concept of enharmonicity from the perspective of the 12-note chromatic scale
* [[Diatonic, chromatic, enharmonic, subchromatic]] – an in-depth discussion on these concepts
* [[Enharmonic diesis]], a diminished second (or an inverse diminished second)
* [[Enharmonic unison]] an interval equated to a [[unison]]
* [[Enharmonic unison]], an interval enharmonically equivalent to a [[unison]]
 


{{Disambiguation}}
{{Disambiguation}}

Latest revision as of 20:19, 27 January 2026

The term enharmonic has several meanings.

In regards to intervals or notes:

  • Two intervals or notes an enharmonic diesis apart, such as the augmented fourth and the diminished fifth, or C♯ and D♭. In 12edo, such intervals or notes are tuned to the same size or pitch, so they are enharmonically equivalent. In any tuning whose perfect fifth is not the same as 12edo's, enharmonic intervals or notes are distinct.
  • By extension, intervals mapped to the same number of steps in any tempered tuning system. This is technically a misnomer that arose from the ubiquity of 12edo. The clearer term is equivalent or equated. For example, in 5edo, E and F are equivalent/equated since they are both mapped to 480 cents above C.

In regards to scales:

See also


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