Why does a piano (and Western music in general) have 12 different notes?
When people learn an instrument, they usually take our 12-tone harmonic system for granted − it seems so natural that we never question it. But is it?
When I began searching for an answer, I didn't expect where it would take me − it became a fascinating journey through the worlds of physics, history, and human perception.
From the modes of a string to the construction of musical scales, from the circle of fifths to the mathematics of equal temperament, from perfect intervals to historic tuning systems − our search takes us to all kinds of musical mysteries.
And in one way or another, they all tell a wonderful story of human creativity and curiosity over thousand of years...
This is the first time I created an educational video about music theory − please let me know if you found it worth watching, and if you're interested in more content like this (no worries, I won't stop creating piano covers)!
Needless to say, I'm incredibly thankful for any feedback, like, and subscription!
If you want to support me and get some exclusive content, you can visit my Patreon page:
https://patreon.com/Montechait
In case you're interested in my sheet music arrangements, you can purchase them here:
https://bit.ly/4g0X1kK
(I arrange all kinds of music for piano: classical, oldies, pop, movie soundtracks, TV theme songs, jazz, and everything in between!)
### ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ###
If you want to do a deeper dive, here are some videos I found interesting and helpful:
Here's the great Leonard Bernstein explaining the harmonic series:
https://youtu.be/3TlQryUBz3E
@DavidBennettPiano created the most popular video on this topic:
https://youtu.be/lvmzgVtZtUQ
This video by @CaseyConnor is great for understanding the mathematical logic of the 12-tone scale:
https://youtu.be/CFbG-8eYKJU
@StevenJacks has some great visuals about constructing a scale out of pure ratios:
https://youtu.be/IT9CPoe5LnM
@SteveMould did a great video on resonance / standing waves:
https://youtu.be/dihQuwrf9yQ
### CHAPTERS ###
0:00 Introduction
0:49 Frequency & Intervals
2:38 Modes of a String / The Harmonic Series
4:46 Just Intonation
6:56 Pythagorean Tuning
9:55 Equal Temperament
11:17 Final thoughts
Spinning globe motion graphics provided by Dudu:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCPeeJyrnHGg3gDVRf1jQP2A
#musictheory #education #piano #music #musiceducation #overtones