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Acoustics · Tuning & pitch

Neutral sixth

What is neutral sixth? A clear definition from the acoustics and tuning & pitch section of our glossary, with 15 related terms, tools to try and further reading.

Definition of Neutral sixth

A neutral sixth is a musical interval wider than a minor sixth but narrower than a major sixth. 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.

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.

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What is Neutral sixth?

A neutral sixth is a musical interval wider than a minor sixth but narrower than a major sixth. Three distinct intervals may be termed neutral sixths:

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