Do you know that music is also a universal language?
The way we organise it varies across cultures and traditions. One exciting thing about Western music is that it is built from a twelve-note chromatic scale.
You might wonder why there are 12 notes in Western music. This blog answers this question. Read it, and you will find the answer you are looking for.
What are the 12 notes used in the music?
As we told you, Western music is built from a twelve-note chromatic scale that is C, D, E, F, G, A, and B, plus five flats and equivalent sharps in between C sharp and D flat (just named differently depending on the key signature being used), D sharp/E flat, F sharp/G flat, G sharp/A flat, and A sharp/B flat.
Thus, the final sequence of the 12-note chromatic scale, ascending, is C, C sharp/D flat, D, D sharp/E flat, E, F, F sharp/G flat, G, G sharp/A flat, A, A sharp/B flat, and B (refer to the image above).
Why there are 12 notes in music?
This twelve-note system begins with the harmonic series. This natural phenomenon produces higher frequencies and overtones even when a musical note is played.
For example, when you play a note on a piano, you might have observed that you are not hearing just that single note; besides that, you are also hearing a series of higher notes called overtones. These overtones from intervals, such as octaves and perfect fifths, are fundamental to our harmony.
If you look at the harmonic series, the first overtone is an octave above the fundamental note, the second overtone is a perfect fifth above that, and this goes on and on. These intervals provide a natural basis to divide an octave.
The twelve-note system reflects these harmonic relationships, making it more straightforward to create pleasing and harmonious music.
Equal Temperament
The 12-TET system divides the octave into twelve equal parts, called semitones. This system was developed to solve the problems of earlier tuning systems, which made it difficult to play in different keys.
In the 12-TET system, each semitone is spaced equally, with a frequency ratio of about 1.05946. This ensures that twelve semitones make up one octave, doubling the frequency of the starting note.
This equal spacing allows musicians to switch between different keys smoothly and consistently.
Mathematical ratios
The twelve notes in the chromatic scale aren't picked at random; they're based on mathematical ratios that produce pleasant harmonics. These ratios come from the harmonic series and are key to forming intervals that sound harmonious to our ears.
Take the perfect fifth interval, which is a cornerstone of Western harmony. It has a frequency ratio of 3:2.
The twelve-note system helps us build these intervals accurately within an octave, making it easier to create rich, harmonious chords and melodies.
Culture
Over time, the twelve-note system became the go-to framework for Western music because it was widely accepted and offered practical advantages.
It helped in creating polyphony, harmony, and the intricate musical forms that define Western classical music.
While other musical traditions, like those in India, the Middle East, and East Asia, use different scales and tuning systems, the twelve-note chromatic scale remains a cornerstone of Western music.
Conclusion
The twelve-note system in Western music came about through a mix of math, sound science, history, and cultural development. This setup gives musicians a flexible and reliable way to make music, letting them to get into the depth of harmony and melody.
Knowing why we use this system not only helps us appreciate Western music more but also shows how nature, science, and art all come together to shape our musical experience.
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