Quarter tone

A quarter tone is an interval half as wide (aurally, or logarithmically) as a semitone, which is half a whole tone.

Related Topics:
Interval - Semitone - Whole tone

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In equal temperament the quarter tone is 50 cents or 21/24 or 1.029302236643. In 24 tone equal temperament, or the quarter tone scale, it is the smallest step. In just intonation it is often 36:35 or 34:33.

Related Topics:
Equal temperament - Cents - Step - Just intonation

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Many composers are known for having written music including quarter tones or the quarter tone scale, first proposed by Mikhá'il Mishdgah (Touma 1996, p.16), including:

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• Alois Hába
• Charles Ives
• Ivan Alexandrovich Vïshnegradsky

Two quarter tones equal a half tone, and three make a three-quarter tone. A three-quarter tone may also be considered half of a minor third.

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Many musical genres and cultures use quarter tones, three-quarter tones, or the quarter tone scale, including:

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• Arab music, see Arab tone system
 
Quarter tone: See also ►