In music theory, a neutral interval in 24 TET (including extensions), (but also known as a submajor interval, or as a
superminor interval, in Just Intonation), is an interval that is neither major nor minor, but is, instead, in-between them.
In 12 TET, the major third is tuned at 400 ¢, and the minor third is 100 ¢ flatter (300 ¢). A neutral interval inverts to another
one. These intervals are a quarter tone, (50 ¢), sharper from minor intervals and 50 ¢ flatter from major intervals. In the
just intonation, as well as in tunings such as 31-ET, 41-ET, or 72-ET, which more closely approximate it with more of them, these can be closer together.
intervals | minor | neutral | major |
---|---|---|---|
seconds | D♭ | ≊ D ![]() | D♮ |
thirds | E♭ | ≊ E ![]() | E♮ |
sixths | A♭ | ≊ A ![]() | A♮ |
sevenths | B♭ | ≊ B ![]() | B♮ |
Inverse | neutral seventh |
---|---|
Name | |
Abbreviation | n2 |
Size | |
Semitones | ~1+1⁄2 |
Interval class | ~1+1⁄2 |
Just interval | 11:10 or 12:11 [1] |
Cents | |
12-Tone equal temperament | 100 or 200 |
24-Tone equal temperament | 150 |
Just intonation | 165 or 151 |
A neutral second or medium second is an interval wider than a minor second and narrower than a major second. Three distinct intervals may be termed neutral seconds:
The equal-tempered neutral is found in some traditional Arabic music (see also Arab tone system). Because the equal tempered neutral second is essentially a semitone (minor second) plus a quarter-tone, they may be considered three-quarter tones in the quarter tone scale.
Approximations to the 12:11 and 11:10 neutral seconds can be found in a number of equally tempered tuning systems. 11:10 is very closely matched by 22-ET, whereas 12:11 is matched by 24-ET, 31-ET and 41-ET. 72-ET matches both intervals closely and is also the smallest widely used equal temperament that uniquely matches both intervals. Tuning systems that temper out the comma of 121:120 do not distinguish between the two intervals. 17-ET has a neutral second between 12:11 and 13:12, and a neutral third between 16:13 and 11:9.
Inverse | neutral second |
---|---|
Name | |
Other names | - |
Abbreviation | n7 |
Size | |
Semitones | ~10+1⁄2 |
Interval class | ~1+1⁄2 |
Just interval | 11:6, [1] 64:35, [2] or 24:13 |
Cents | |
12-Tone equal temperament | 1000 or 1100 |
24-Tone equal temperament | 1050 |
Just intonation | 1049, 1045, or 1061 |
A neutral seventh is a musical interval wider than a minor seventh ⓘ but narrower than a major seventh ⓘ . Four distinct intervals may be termed neutral sevenths:
These intervals are all within about 12 cents of each other and are difficult for most people to distinguish.
A neutral seventh can be formed by stacking a neutral third together with a perfect fifth. Based on its positioning in the harmonic series, the undecimal neutral seventh implies a root one perfect fifth below the lower of the two notes.