Scale: Difference between revisions
→Concrete and abstract scales: note the same definitions apply to tuning systems |
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== Scale properties == | == Scale properties == | ||
{{Main| | {{Main|Glossary of scale properties}} | ||
== Relation to tuning systems and chords == | == Relation to tuning systems and chords == | ||
A [[tuning system]] defines the set of discrete pitches used | A [[tuning system]] defines the set of discrete pitches to be used in a composition e.g. the set of pitches on an [[instrument]] or loaded in [[software]]. A scale can be built by taking a subset of pitches from a given tuning system. Furthermore, a [[chord]] can be built by taking a subset of pitches from a given scale. | ||
Scales are generally treated with a greater focus on melody, while chords are generally treated with a greater focus on harmony. That said, the boundary between the two is fuzzy, and some musicians use the term ''scale-chord'' to refer to a set of pitches that is treated both as a scale and as a chord. | Scales are generally treated with a greater focus on melody, while chords are generally treated with a greater focus on harmony. That said, the boundary between the two is fuzzy, and some musicians use the term ''scale-chord'' to refer to a set of pitches that is treated both as a scale and as a chord. | ||
== Reentrant scales == | == Reentrant scales == | ||
A '''reentrant scale''' features at least one '''negative step''', going backwards relative to the general direction of the scale. Although a reentrant scale is not strictly ascending or descending, its ascending and descending forms are determined by its general direction. | A '''reentrant scale''' features at least one '''[[Kite's thoughts on negative intervals|negative step]]''', going backwards relative to the general direction of the scale. Although a reentrant scale is not strictly ascending or descending, its ascending and descending forms are determined by its general direction. | ||
This concept is mostly relevant when applying extreme tunings to abstract scales, causing some steps to have a negative size in order to preserve the abstract scale's usual structure. For example, if you try to generate a [[MOS scale]] with a [[generator]] whose size falls outside of the generator range of all possible MOS patterns with the same given number of notes, you should obtain a negative MOS scale. A 7-tone scale with a 295{{cent}} generator is just outside of the range for [[4L 3s]], and can be interpreted as a 4L 3s scale with 315{{cent}} large steps and -20{{cent}} (negative) small steps. | This concept is mostly relevant when applying extreme tunings to abstract scales, causing some steps to have a negative size in order to preserve the abstract scale's usual structure. For example, if you try to generate a [[MOS scale]] with a [[generator]] whose size falls outside of the generator range of all possible MOS patterns with the same given number of notes, you should obtain a negative MOS scale. A 7-tone scale with a 295{{cent}} generator is just outside of the range for [[4L 3s]], and can be interpreted as a 4L 3s scale with 315{{cent}} large steps and -20{{cent}} (negative) small steps. | ||