The Pi Tone
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THE PI TONE is derived from multiplying a tone, any tone, by the transcendental number Pi. In the above
example, when the E is multiplied by Pi, you get a tone slightly flatter than a high C. This is the Pi tone. Written
out as an equation in Hertz, it looks like this:
E 4 * Pi = C 6
329.6 Hz * 3.14159 = 1035.5
(10 Hz less than an equal-tempered C)
This Pi Tone covers the interval of a Minor Thirteenth. When transposed down an octave to a C5, it
covers the interval of a Minor Sixth: (13 - 7 [8ve] = 6). There are three Minor Sixths' in every diatonic key. In the
key of C major (C D E F G A B), they are E—C, A—F, and B—G. Play with them.
22 / 7
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"Have a bath, Archimedes," quipped the soldier, "In hell."
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