| Inverse | neutral third |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Other names | - |
| Abbreviation | n6 |
| Size | |
| Semitones | ~8½ |
| Interval class | ~3½ |
| Just interval | 18:11[1] or 13:8[2] |
| Cents | |
| 12-Tone equal temperament | N/A |
| 24-Tone equal temperament | 850 |
| Just intonation | 853 or 841 |
Aneutral sixth is amusical interval wider than aminor sixthplayⓘ but narrower than amajor sixthplayⓘ. Three distinct intervals may be termed neutral sixths:
These intervals are all within about 12 cents of each other and are difficult for most people to distinguish. Neutral sixths are roughly aquarter tone sharp from12 equal temperament (12-ET) minor sixths and a quarter tone flat from 12-ET major sixths. In just intonation, as well as in tunings such as31-ET,41-ET, or72-ET, which more closely approximate just intonation, the intervals are closer together.
A neutral sixth can be formed by subtracting aneutral second from aminor seventh. Based on its positioning in the harmonic series, the undecimal neutral sixth implies aroot one minor seventh above the higher of the two notes.
The pitch ratio 13:8 (840.53 cents) is the ratio of the thirteenthharmonic and is notated inBen Johnston's system as A13♭. In24-ET is approximated by A
. This note is often corrected to a just orPythagorean ratio on thenatural horn, but the pure thirteenth harmonic was used in pieces includingBritten'sSerenade for tenor, horn and strings.[4]
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