equal temperament
"Equal temperament" is a tuning system crucial for modern Western music, especially for keyboard instruments, allowing consistent intonation across different keys.
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Definition
C1Music Theory
(technical, academic)A tuning system where the octave is divided into twelve equal intervals, ensuring consistent pitch relationships across all keys.
Example
- Equal temperament allows pianos to be played in any key without sounding out of tune.
- Modern Western music relies heavily on equal temperament for its harmonic structure.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "equal temperament":