I'm new to music theory. I need to know more about the maths behind it.
I have two questions.
Before I ask - the temperament I am using is the most common; 12 TET with A tuned at 440HZ.
With that in mind I am willing to accept answers that use true tuning or others if it answers my question.
So I began by listing the most consonant sounds in relation to C starting with the most consonant to the least.
I found they were in this order (Again, in relation to C). G,F,A,E,D#,F#,G#,D,B,A# and then C#
So I understand that this is supposed to be due to wavelength and the frequency in which the waves of each note (roughly) match up, with every 3rd wave of G matching up with every 2nd wave of C (Making it the most consonant) and every sixteenth wave of C# matching up with every 15th wave of C (Making it the most dissonant).
Question 1:
I have a problem with the naming of these notes - I absolutely know that this is because I don't have enough information. I think if I tell you what my problem if you might be able to tell me what I'm doing wrong.
So from C to G is a "perfect fifth". I know this is because G is the fifth step of C Major.
G to C is a "perfect fourth". I know this is because C is the forth step of G Major.
I see that, according to the information I have and what I can hear, that G and C are the most consonant notes that aren't the same note.
If I understand the naming correctly (Which I know I don't) why is the most consonant note in G major a perfect fourth and not like C major, a perfect fifth?
Question 2:
My main question. Is there a way I can get a visual representation of 12 TET?
I would like to see for myself how close each note is to each other in the hope of getting a better understanding of the sound behind them.
Ideally I hope somebody can point me to a program I can use that shows the waves of a note and I can play more that one at once.
Thank you in advance.
