Re:Music theory for nerds
by torrent-of-ions on Monday September 19, 2016 @08:40AM
(#12530917)
It's not even just that. They are only "the same" with equal temperament. If you use proper intervals then they are quite different.
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I'm not sure this applies here. Equal temperament explains how an interval is in tune and does not determine what key a song is in.
Torrent-of-ions is correct. Equal temperament is a compromise in tuning (assigning pitches to notes) which makes the most keys sound ok. The intervals aren't perfect, but close enough. If you tuned a piano for perfect intervals in one key, those pitches would be too much off for another key.
Yes, equal temperament is basically a compromise of tuning methods. While it can help ensure that a piece which modulates into different keys is in tune (as close as possible), equal temperament cannot tell the key that is being played.