Calculating the Dissonance of a Chord according to Helmholtz Theory

TL;DR

This paper presents an algorithm based on Helmholtz's theory to calculate the dissonance of complex sounds, enabling consistent comparisons of different chords and tunings.

Contribution

It introduces a new, logically consistent algorithm for measuring dissonance according to Helmholtz's theory, useful for musical analysis.

Findings

Different tunings of the same major triad show varying dissonance levels.

The algorithm provides a reliable way to compare dissonance across chords.

Insights into the relationship between tuning and perceived dissonance.

Abstract

Following the ideas of von Helmholtz and Plomp-Levelt, an algorithm for calculating the total dissonance of complex sounds, free from logical inconsistencies and useful for comparing different chords, is proposed. The method is tested by comparing different tunings of the same major triad. Some interesting conclusions from this calculation may be drawn.