Filter
Top Products
139
Chapter 8 Various Settings
Chapter 8
■ Changing the Tuning (Tuning)
❍ Choosing the Tuning
You can play classical styles such as Baroque using historic
temperaments (tuning methods).
Most modern songs are composed for and played in equal
temperament, the most common tuning in use today. But at
one time, there were a wide variety of other tuning systems
in existence. By playing in the temperament that was in use
when a composition was created, you can experience the
sonorities of chords originally intended for that song.
At Step 3 in “Procedure” (p. 138), touch <Tuning>.
fig.d-p-temp.eps_50
You can choose from among the eight tunings described
below.
Touch any one of the icons to choose the tuning system.
When playing in a temperament other than equal
temperament, you must specify the tonic (the note
corresponding to C for a major key, or to A for a minor key)
of the key in which you will play.
Touch <Key> to select the tonic.
If you have selected equal temperament, it is not necessary to
select the tonic.
❍ Setting the Tuning Curve (Stretch Tuning)
Pianos are generally tuned so that the low range is flatter and
the high range is sharper than equal tempered pitches. This
method of tuning is unique to the piano, and is known as
“stretched tuning.”
A graph that shows the changes in pitch of actual tuning
compared with the changes in equal temperament pitch is
called a tuning curve. Changing the tuning curve produces
subtle variations in the reverberations of the chords you play.
Touch the Stretch Tuning <ON> or <OFF> icon to select the
tuning curve.
When set to “ON,” the tuning curve features extended low
and high ranges (Stretch Tuning). It is suitable for piano
solos. This setting is selected when the power is turned on.
When set to “OFF,” the standard tuning curve is used. It is
suitable when playing in an ensemble with other
instruments.
Tuning
system
Characteristics
Equal
This temperament divides the octave
into 12 equal parts. All intervals will be
slightly out of tune by the same amount.
This setting is in effect when you turn on
the power.
Just (Maj)
This temperament makes the 5th and
3rd intervals pure. It is unsuited to play-
ing melodies and cannot be transposed,
but is capable of beautiful sonorities.
Just (Min)
Just intonation differs between major
and minor keys. The same results as ma-
jor can be obtained in a minor key.
Arabic
This tuning is suitable for the music of
Arabia.
Kirnberger
This temperament is a modification of
meantone temperament and just intona-
tion, allowing more freedom of modula-
tion. Performances are possible in all
keys (III).
Pythagorean
This temperament is based on the theo-
ries of the Greek philosopher Pythago-
ras, and has pure fourths and fifths.
Chords containing a third will sound im-
pure, but melodies will sound good.
Meantone
This temperament is a partial compro-
mise of just intonation in order to allow
modulation.
Werkmeister
This temperament is a combination of
meantone and Pythagorean tempera-
ments. It allows you to play in all keys.
(First method, number three.)
Tuning
system
Characteristics