Definition of Pitch space
In music theory, pitch spaces model relationships between pitches. These models typically use distance to model the degree of relatedness, with closely related pitches placed near one another, and less closely related pitches farther apart. Depending on the complexity of the relationships under consideration, the models may be multidimensional. Models of pitch space are often graphs, groups, lattices, or geometrical figures such as helixes. Pitch spaces distinguish octave-related pitches. When octave-related pitches are not distinguished, we have instead pitch class spaces, which represent relationships between pitch classes. (Some of these models are discussed in the entry on modulatory space, though readers should be advised that the term "modulatory space" is not a standard music-theoretical term.) Chordal spaces model relationships between chords.
Terms mentioned above
Related terms
Spiral array model
In music theory, the spiral array model is an extended type of pitch space. A…
Register (music)
A register is the range within pitch space of some music or often musical speech. It may…
Pitch class space
In music theory, pitch-class space is the circular space representing all the notes…
Scale (music)
In music theory, a scale is "any consecutive series of notes that form a progression…
Interval (music)
In music theory, an interval is a difference in pitch between two sounds. An interval…
Enharmonic scale
In music theory, an enharmonic scale is an ancient Greek musical scale which contains…
Incomposite interval
An incomposite interval (Ancient Greek: διάστημα ἀσύνθετον; German: ungeteilte…
Interval cycle
In music, an interval cycle is a collection of pitch classes created from a sequence of…
Closely related key
In music, a closely related key (or close key) is one sharing many common tones with an…
Frequently asked questions
What is Pitch space?
In music theory, pitch spaces model relationships between pitches. These models typically use distance to model the degree of relatedness, with closely related pitches placed near one another, and less closely related pitches farther apart.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Pitch space – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by David Eppstein – Public domain