[Harp-L] Equal Temperament Tuning-- why I don't play chords (?)

[Paul Bowering <paul_bowering@xxxxxxxxx>]

>I'm not really sure why playing split intervals instead of chords works >so well, but in my experience, it does. Perhaps some of you with more >technical knowledge can tell me why this is so.

My response goes on the assumption that the interval you play is predominantly root/5th. If this is so then the interval sounds good because a Justly intonated 5th is only +2 cents as compared to an Equal tuned 5th. You might hear the difference if you were to play Just and Equal harps in a side by side comparison. In general however this interval will blend well on an Equal harp.

The 3rd of chord (and 7th) is where you'll really notice the difference. A Justly intonated 3rd is 14 cents flat of its Equal tuned counterpart. By not playing this note in concert with the Root of the chord you eliminate most of the dissonance.

On a 'C' harp you can pair Root/5th intervals of C/G, G/D and maybe B/F (played over a G7 chord) in the lower range. In the mid range you get C/G, D/A, F/B.

What other split intervals are you using?

Paul