EQUAL TEMPERAMENT

𝒏
Each ratio of frequency above fundamental is found by 2 ^ where n is the number of semitones above the
𝟏𝟐
12
fundamental. This in effect adds √2 ≈ 1.059463… to the ratio each semitone higher you go. This means the
sound wave vibrates 1.059463… times as fast successively for each higher semitone.

For example, to go from A4 to D5 in equal temperament, use the formula and n would be 5 because D is 5 semitones
above A:

5
2^ = 1.334839854… now use this ratio to find the frequency in Hertz above the fundamental, A.
12

440 Hertz x 1.334839854… = 587.3295358… Hertz

JUST INTONATION

Just Intonation is based off of small integer fractions

of vibrations that constitute a harmonic series over

the fundamental wavelength.

Looking at the harmonic series, if you transpose all the pitches into a one octave span one can find all the notes in
the chromatic scale. In the table, under the column just intonation interval, the fraction numbers are chosen from the
intervallic distance between the numerator harmonic and denominator harmonic. For example, an augmented fourth
7
fraction is . This is the difference between the 5th harmonic (E4) and the 7th harmonic (Bb4).
5

To get the cents above the fundamental frequency, convert these fractions into decimal numbers, call it n, and put
into this formula:
1200
x log(n)=cents above fundamental
log(2)

For example, if we want to find how many cents a major third should be above fundamental. Find the fraction.

5
= 1.25. Put into formula:
4

1200
x log(1.25)=3,986.313714… x 0.096910013… = 386.3137139…cents
log(2)

To find the difference in cents between equal versus just, subtract the cents in 12-tone equal temperament from cents
in just intonation. These are the amounts shown on the chord sheet, which allow the chords to sound the most
consonant and thusly, “in tune”, compared to your tuner, which is calculated using equal temperament.

Written by Jeffrey Anderson