Harmonic scale

For other uses, see Harmonic scale (disambiguation).

The harmonic scale is a "super-just" musical scale allowing extended just intonation, beyond 5-limit to the 19th harmonic (), and free modulation through the use of synthesizers. Transpositions and tuning tables are controlled by the left hand on the appropriate note on a one-octave keyboard.

Harmonic series on C, partials 1–5 numbered .

Harmonic series on G, partials 1–5 numbered .

For example, if the harmonic scale is tuned to a fundamental of C, then harmonics 16–32 are as follows:

Notation			Harmonics	Cents
C	C	C		0
C♯	C♯	D♭		104.96
D	D	D♮		203.91
E♭	E♭	E♭		297.51
E♮	E♮	E↓		386.31
F	F+	F		470.78
F♯	F↑	F♯		551.32
G	G	G		701.96
A♭	A♭	A♭		840.53
A♮	A♮+	A♮		905.87
B♭	B♭	B♭		968.83
B♮	B♮	B♮↓		1088.27
C'	C'	C'		1200

Some harmonics are not included: 23, 25, 29, & 31. The 21st is a natural seventh above G, but not a great interval above C, and the 27th is a just fifth above D.

Harmonic-scales chromatic on C and G.

It was invented by Wendy Carlos and used on three pieces on her album Beauty in the Beast (1986): Just Imaginings, That's Just It, and Yusae-Aisae. Versions of the scale have also been used by Ezra Sims, Franz Richter Herf and Gosheven.

Number of notes

Though described by Carlos as containing "144 [= 12²] distinct pitches to the octave", the twelve scales include 78 (= ⁠12(12+1)/2⁠) notes per octave.

Technically there should then be duplicates and thus 57 (= 78 − 21) pitches (21 = ⁠6(6+1)/2⁠). For example, a perfect fifth above G (D) is the major tone above C.

External links

• "Wendy Carlos Harmonic scale", Microtonal-Synthesis.com.