Acoustic phi: Difference between revisions

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Acoustic phi is not to be confused with [[logarithmic phi]], which is 1941.6¢ (741.6¢ octave-reduced).
Acoustic phi is not to be confused with [[logarithmic phi]], which is 1941.6¢ (741.6¢ octave-reduced).
The [[phith root of phi]] is another interval with interesting properties, that divides acoustic phi logarithmically by phi, which creates self similar, fractal-like scales.


== Approximation ==
== Approximation ==
{{Interval edo approximation|interval = 1618/1000 | name = ϕ}}
{{Interval edo approximation|interval = 1618/1000 | interval_name = ϕ}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
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* [[Edφ]], tunings created by dividing acoustic phi into equally sized smaller steps
* [[Edφ]], tunings created by dividing acoustic phi into equally sized smaller steps
* [[Phi as a generator]]
* [[Phi as a generator]]
* [[sqrtphi]], a temperament based on the square root of phi (~416.5 cents) as a generator.
* [[Sqrtphi]], a temperament based on the square root of phi (~416.5 cents) as a generator.
* [[photosynthesis]], a temperament using phi as a “prime” in its subgroup
* [[Photosynthesis]], a temperament using phi as a “prime” in its subgroup


[[Category:Golden ratio]]
[[Category:Golden ratio]]
[[Category:Supraminor sixth]]
[[Category:Supraminor sixth]]

Latest revision as of 05:23, 27 February 2026

Interval information
Expression [math]\displaystyle{ \varphi = \frac{ 1 + \sqrt{5} }{2} }[/math]
Size in cents 833.0903¢
Name acoustic phi
Special properties reduced

ϕ taken as a frequency ratio (ϕ⋅f where f = 1/1) is about 833.1 cents. This metastable interval is sometimes called acoustic phi, or the phi neutral sixth. It is wider than a 12edo minor sixth (800 cents) by about a sixth-tone (33.3… cents).

ϕ is the most difficult interval to approximate by rational numbers, as its continued fraction consists entirely of 1's. The convergents (rational number approximations, obtained from the continued fractions) are the ratios of successive terms of the Fibonacci sequence converge on ϕ, the just intonation intervals 3/2, 5/3 (~884.4¢), 8/5 (~814.7¢), 13/8 (~840.5¢), 21/13 (~830.3¢), … converge on ~833.1 cents.

Erv Wilson accordingly described ϕ as "the worstest of the worst — and yet somehow with divinity imbued, Lord have mercy!", inspiring the term merciful intonation.

Acoustic phi is not to be confused with logarithmic phi, which is 1941.6¢ (741.6¢ octave-reduced).

The phith root of phi is another interval with interesting properties, that divides acoustic phi logarithmically by phi, which creates self similar, fractal-like scales.


Approximation

Edo approximations for ϕ (833.05 ¢)
≤ 80edo, relative error ≤ 10%
Edo Step size Cents (¢) Absolute error (¢) Relative error (%)
3 2\3 800.00 -33.05 -8.26
10 7\10 840.00 +6.95 +5.79
13 9\13 830.77 -2.28 -2.48
23 16\23 834.78 +1.73 +3.31
26 18\26 830.77 -2.28 -4.95
33 23\33 836.36 +3.31 +9.10
36 25\36 833.33 +0.28 +0.84
39 27\39 830.77 -2.28 -7.43
46 32\46 834.78 +1.73 +6.63
49 34\49 832.65 -0.40 -1.64
52 36\52 830.77 -2.28 -9.90
59 41\59 833.90 +0.84 +4.15
62 43\62 832.26 -0.80 -4.11
69 48\69 834.78 +1.73 +9.94
72 50\72 833.33 +0.28 +1.68
75 52\75 832.00 -1.05 -6.59

See also