In this post, I dive into the world of microtonality by creating a unique 12x12 frequency grid that visualizes and sonifies microtonal intervals. Microtonal music often ventures outside the familiar 12-tone equal temperament, instead embracing the infinite possibilities between these standardized pitches. This visualization explores an alternative sonic landscape by dividing the octave into 144 microtonal steps — a scale far finer than the typical semitone intervals in Western music.

About the Microtonal 12x12 Grid

Microtonal music can be both unfamiliar and captivating, offering subtle variations and tunings that our ears may not typically encounter. The grid below visually and sonically represents this exploration, presenting a 12x12 array of unique frequencies that increase gradually across the grid.

Each cell in the grid represents a “microtone,” calculated by dividing an octave into 144 equal steps, each separated by the 144th root of 2. This produces subtle pitch variations far beyond typical Western tuning, creating 144 unique pitches within a single octave.

Visual Representation

The color intensity of each cell corresponds to its pitch:

  • Lower-pitched cells: Darker shades
  • Higher-pitched cells: Lighter shades

This gradient of brightness aligns with the increase in frequency, making the grid intuitive and visually engaging. Each cell is labeled with its exact frequency (rounded to one decimal), allowing you to observe the subtle pitch differences as you explore.

Try It Out:
Below, you’ll find an interactive grid that allows you to dive into these subtle pitch variations firsthand. Click on any cell to hear its unique frequency. The sound is generated using the Web Audio API, creating a simple sine wave that lasts for half a second, so you can experience the microtonal differences directly.

Why Explore Microtonality?

Microtonal music is not only for avant-garde experimentation; it offers a rich, untapped sonic terrain that challenges conventional listening. By stepping beyond the familiar, you might discover new tonal colors, unexpected harmonies, and a sense of pitch fluidity that isn’t found in traditional scales.

Playlist: Microtonal and Experimental Influences

To accompany this exploration, here’s a playlist of artists whose work often extends beyond conventional tonal boundaries.

  • Radiohead – How to Disappear Completely. Not strictly microtonal, but Radiohead’s atmospheric textures and unconventional song structures make it feel exploratory. Albums like Kid A and Amnesiac hint at microtonal elements.

  • Wendy Carlos – An early pioneer in electronic and microtonal music, Wendy Carlos’s Beauty in the Beast dives deeply into alternate tunings with synthesized textures. Pompous Circumstance is a standout piece.

  • Aphex Twin – Known for his experimental approach in Drukqs and Selected Ambient Works, tracks like “Avril 14th” show tonal experimentation that pushes beyond the conventional.

  • King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Their album Flying Microtonal Banana fully embraces microtonal tunings. Tracks like “Rattlesnake” are energetic, psychedelic, and decidedly microtonal.

  • Young Thug – Though not explicitly microtonal, Young Thug’s vocal delivery and pitch range create a unique, exploratory tonal approach, especially in Beautiful Thugger Girls.

  • Holly Herndon – Her avant-garde electronic music often employs non-standard tunings. PROTO is a good example of her unconventional electronic soundscapes.

  • La Monte Young – A minimalist pioneer in microtonality. Works like The Well-Tuned Piano offer immersive, meditative compositions. Listen here.

This playlist offers a spectrum of artists who incorporate microtonality and experimental tones across genres, from atmospheric rock to avant-garde minimalism. Let these sounds be a backdrop as you explore the 12x12 microtonal frequency grid, and see how they inspire your journey through this rich tonal landscape.