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Tuning & pitch

Monotonic scale

What is monotonic scale? A clear definition from the tuning & pitch section of our glossary, with 12 related terms, tools to try and further reading.

Definition of Monotonic scale

A monotonic scale is a musical scale consisting of only one note in the octave. Having a deliberate fixed note, the monotonic is still a musical form rather than a total absence of melody. The monotonic stands in contrast to more common musical scales, such as the pentatonic (five notes) and modern, common Western heptatonic and chromatic scales.

Related terms

Frequently asked questions

What is Monotonic scale?

A monotonic scale is a musical scale consisting of only one note in the octave. Having a deliberate fixed note, the monotonic is still a musical form rather than a total absence of melody.

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