Hobbled scale: Difference between revisions

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A '''hobbled scale''' is a [[scale]] created by reducing exactly one step of an existing scale pattern by a step size, ~~typically~~ resulting in a ~~[[ternary]]~~ scale that approximates the original pattern but fits into a different [[edo]]. The term ''hobbled'' derives from the metaphor of "hobbling" one of the step "legs" to be shorter than the other, analogous to how hobbling an animal restricts its movement by shortening one leg. This concept was explored and refined as an effort of TOTYW2025 in the Xenharmonic Alliance Discord.

A '''hobbled scale''' is a [[scale]] created by either reducing or increasing exactly one step of an existing scale pattern by some step size, resulting in a scale that approximates the original pattern but fits into a different [[edo]]. The term ''hobbled'' derives from the metaphor of "hobbling" one of the step "legs" to be shorter than the other, analogous to how hobbling an animal restricts its movement by shortening one leg. This concept was explored and refined as an effort of TOTYW2025 in the Xenharmonic Alliance Discord.

== Definition / algorithm ==

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# Reducing that step by the calculated difference

This results in a new pattern that fits into the target edo with one step shorter than in the original

This results in a new pattern that fits into the target edo with one step shorter than in the original.

== Examples ==

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[[18edo]] provides an interesting case study for hobbled scales, particularly with lydian patterns. The scale 3–3–3–2–3–3–1 creates an effectively hobbled lydian where one of the short steps has been reduced. This scale exploits the fact that 18edo shares the same wholetone (200{{c}}) as 12edo, since both are supersets of 6edo.

The first half of this hobbled Lydian scale is identical to 12edo Lydian, preserving the quintessential dreamy wholetone character. However, the second half becomes distinctly alien with a sharp 733{{c}} fifth, a just 12/7 sixth (933{{c}}), and a smaller leading tone. This creates a scale that starts familiar but ventures into bright, colorful territory that regular lydian cannot access.

The first half of this hobbled Lydian scale is identical to 12edo Lydian, preserving the quintessential dreamy wholetone character. However, the second half becomes distinctly alien with a sharp 733{{c}} fifth, a near-just 12/7 sixth (933{{c}}), and a smaller leading tone. This creates a scale that starts familiar but ventures into bright, colorful territory that regular lydian cannot access.

This pattern can also be viewed as a hobbled [[17edo]] or [[19edo]] diatonic, demonstrating how hobbling can bridge between different edos and give a useful lens to understand scales.

[[Category:Scale]]

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-A '''hobbled scale''' is a [[scale]] created by reducing exactly one step of an existing scale pattern by a step size, typically resulting in a [[ternary]] scale that approximates the original pattern but fits into a different [[edo]]. The term ''hobbled'' derives from the metaphor of "hobbling" one of the step "legs" to be shorter than the other, analogous to how hobbling an animal restricts its movement by shortening one leg. This concept was explored and refined as an effort of TOTYW2025 in the Xenharmonic Alliance Discord.
+A '''hobbled scale''' is a [[scale]] created by either reducing or increasing exactly one step of an existing scale pattern by some step size, resulting in a scale that approximates the original pattern but fits into a different [[edo]]. The term ''hobbled'' derives from the metaphor of "hobbling" one of the step "legs" to be shorter than the other, analogous to how hobbling an animal restricts its movement by shortening one leg. This concept was explored and refined as an effort of TOTYW2025 in the Xenharmonic Alliance Discord.
 == Definition / algorithm ==
@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 # Reducing that step by the calculated difference
-This results in a new pattern that fits into the target edo with one step shorter than in the original
+This results in a new pattern that fits into the target edo with one step shorter than in the original.
 == Examples ==
@@ Line 48: / Line 48: @@
 [[18edo]] provides an interesting case study for hobbled scales, particularly with lydian patterns. The scale 3–3–3–2–3–3–1 creates an effectively hobbled lydian where one of the short steps has been reduced. This scale exploits the fact that 18edo shares the same wholetone (200{{c}}) as 12edo, since both are supersets of 6edo.
-The first half of this hobbled Lydian scale is identical to 12edo Lydian, preserving the quintessential dreamy wholetone character. However, the second half becomes distinctly alien with a sharp 733{{c}} fifth, a just 12/7 sixth (933{{c}}), and a smaller leading tone. This creates a scale that starts familiar but ventures into bright, colorful territory that regular lydian cannot access.
+The first half of this hobbled Lydian scale is identical to 12edo Lydian, preserving the quintessential dreamy wholetone character. However, the second half becomes distinctly alien with a sharp 733{{c}} fifth, a near-just 12/7 sixth (933{{c}}), and a smaller leading tone. This creates a scale that starts familiar but ventures into bright, colorful territory that regular lydian cannot access.
 This pattern can also be viewed as a hobbled [[17edo]] or [[19edo]] diatonic, demonstrating how hobbling can bridge between different edos and give a useful lens to understand scales.
 [[Category:Scale]]