Chapter 8 Various Settings

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

Tuning

Characteristics

system

 

 

 

 

 

Meantone

This temperament is a partial compro-

mise of just intonation in order to allow

 

modulation.

 

 

 

This temperament is a combination of

Werkmeister

meantone and Pythagorean tempera-

ments. It allows you to play in all keys.

 

 

(First method, number three.)

 

 

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.

You can choose from among the eight tunings described below.

Tuning

Characteristics

system

 

 

 

 

 

 

This temperament divides the octave

Equal

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.

 

 

 

This temperament makes the 5th and

Just (Maj)

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.

 

 

 

 

This temperament is a modification of

Kirnberger

meantone temperament and just intona-

tion, allowing more freedom of modula-

 

tion. Performances are possible in all

 

keys (III).

 

 

 

This temperament is based on the theo-

Pythagorean

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.

 

 

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.

Chapter 8

139

Page 139
Image 139
Roland KF-7 owner manual Changing the Tuning Tuning, Various Settings, 139, Choosing the Tuning