Neutral sixth


A neutral sixth is a musical interval wider than a minor sixth but narrower than a major sixth. Three distinct intervals may be termed neutral sixths:
  • The undecimal neutral sixth has a ratio of 18:11 between the frequencies of the two tones, or about 852.59 cents.
  • A tridecimal neutral sixth has a ratio of 13:8 between the frequencies of the two tones, or about 840.53 cents. This is the smallest neutral sixth, and occurs infrequently in music, as little music utilizes the 13th harmonic.
  • An equal-tempered neutral sixth is 850 cents, a hair narrower than the 18:11 ratio. It is an equal-tempered quarter tone exactly halfway between the equal-tempered minor and major sixths, and half of an equal-tempered perfect eleventh.
These intervals are all within about 12 cents of each other and are difficult for most people to distinguish. Neutral sixths are roughly a quarter tone sharp from 12 equal temperament minor sixths and a quarter tone flat from 12-ET major sixths. In just intonation, as well as in tunings such as 31-ET, 41-ET, or 72-ET, which more closely approximate just intonation, the intervals are closer together.
A neutral sixth can be formed by subtracting a neutral second from a minor seventh. Based on its positioning in the harmonic series, the undecimal neutral sixth implies a root one minor seventh above the higher of the two notes.

Thirteenth harmonic

The pitch ratio 13:8 is the ratio of the thirteenth harmonic and is notated in Ben Johnston's system as A13. In 24-ET is approximated by A. This note is often corrected to a just or Pythagorean ratio on the natural horn, but the pure thirteenth harmonic was used in pieces including Britten's Serenade for tenor, horn and strings.