12EDOjärjestelmässä

The 12EDOjärjestelmässä, often referred to as 12-tone equal temperament (12-TET), is a system of tuning musical instruments where the octave is divided into twelve equally sized logarithmic steps. This system is the most common tuning standard in Western music today and is fundamental to how most contemporary music is composed and performed.

In 12-TET, the frequency ratio between any two adjacent semitones is the twelfth root of two (approximately 1.05946). This consistent division ensures that all intervals within the system are mathematically related. While it provides a practical and versatile tuning solution, it's important to note that some pure intervals, like the perfect fifth or major third, are slightly tempered or adjusted compared to their acoustically pure, or just intonation, counterparts.

The widespread adoption of 12-TET allows for seamless modulation between different keys. Unlike older tuning systems that might sound harmonious in one key but dissonant in others, 12-TET offers a relatively pleasing sound across all keys. This universality has made it the standard for pianos, guitars, and most other Western instruments, facilitating a vast repertoire of music that explores diverse harmonic landscapes. The system's mathematical foundation and its practical implications for musical performance have cemented its place as the bedrock of modern musical practice.