A neutral sixth is a musical interval wider than a minor sixth play but narrower than a major sixth play . Three distinct intervals may be termed neutral sixths:
- The undecimal neutral sixth has a ratio of 18:11 between the frequencies of the two tones, or about 852.59 cents. play
- A tridecimal neutral sixth has a ratio of 13:8 between the frequencies of the two tones, or about 840.53 cents. This is the smallest neutral sixth, and occurs infrequently in music, as little music utilizes the 13th harmonic. play
- An equal-tempered neutral sixth is characterized by a difference in 850 cents between the two tones, a hair narrower than the 18:11 ratio, and exactly half of an equal-tempered perfect eleventh (octave plus fourth). play
These intervals are all within about 12 cents of each other and are difficult for most people to distinguish. Neutral sixths are roughly a quarter tone flat from 12 equal temperament minor sixths and a quarter tone sharp from 12-ET major sixths. In just intonation, as well as in tunings such as 31-ET, 41-ET, or 72-ET, which more closely approximate just intonation, the intervals are closer together.
A neutral sixth can be formed by subtracting a neutral second from a minor seventh. Based on its positioning in the harmonic series, the undecimal neutral sixth implies a root one minor seventh above the higher of the two notes.
Read more about Neutral Sixth: Thirteenth Harmonic, See Also
Famous quotes containing the words neutral and/or sixth:
“The seashore is a sort of neutral ground, a most advantageous point from which to contemplate this world. It is even a trivial place. The waves forever rolling to the land are too far-traveled and untamable to be familiar. Creeping along the endless beach amid the sun-squall and the foam, it occurs to us that we, too, are the product of sea-slime.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“The sixth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,”
—Unknown. The Twelve Days of Christmas (l. 26–28)