Explore sound beyond the 12-tone prison. 65–142 BPM.
Xenharmonic music is a genre that uses tunings other than the standard 12-tone equal temperament, often employing microtonal intervals. Emerging globally around 1990, it challenges conventional harmony and opens new sonic possibilities. Key artists include Harry Partch, Wendy Carlos, and Sevish.
The defining artists of Xenharmonic — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Xenharmonic.
Xenharmonic music is characterized by its use of non-standard tunings, resulting in intervals and chords that sound unfamiliar, often described as 'alien' or 'ethereal'. Rhythms can vary widely, from ambient and slow to complex and percussive, but the focus is on harmonic exploration rather than traditional melody.
The sound palette includes both acoustic instruments retuned (e.g., guitars, pianos) and digital synthesizers programmed with custom scales. The overall effect can be dissonant or surprisingly consonant, depending on the tuning system used, such as just intonation, equal divisions of the octave (EDO), or Bohlen-Pierce.
Xenharmonic music originated globally around 1990 as a reaction to the limitations of 12-tone equal temperament, drawing on earlier pioneers like Harry Partch (20th century) and microtonal experiments in various world music traditions. The term 'xenharmonic' was coined by Ivor Darreg to describe music using unusual tunings.
In the 1990s, digital synthesizers and computer software made microtonal tunings more accessible, leading to a surge in experimentation. Online communities like the Xenharmonic Wiki and forums fostered collaboration, while artists like Wendy Carlos (with her album 'Beauty in the Beast') and Jon Catler brought microtonality to broader audiences.
Culturally, xenharmonic music is a niche but vibrant movement, often associated with avant-garde, experimental, and ambient genres. It challenges listeners' expectations and offers a deep, intellectual appreciation of sound, attracting musicians and fans interested in alternative tuning systems and psychoacoustics.
How Xenharmonic is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
Producing xenharmonic music requires specialized tools: synthesizers that support microtuning (e.g., Serum, Vital, or hardware like the Microtonal Guitar), or software like Scala for creating tuning files. Drum patterns often use standard rhythms, but the BPM range (65-142) allows for both slow, meditative pieces and faster, more energetic tracks.
Swing is less common; instead, producers focus on the interplay of microtonal harmonies. Typical sounds include glassy pads, plucked strings, and metallic percussion. To start, choose a tuning system (e.g., 19-EDO, 31-EDO) and map it to your DAW using MIDI pitch bend or dedicated plugins.
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