1. the use of musical intervals smaller than a semitone
Usage: music theory

Examples

• The composer explored microtonality to create unique harmonic textures.
• Microtonality allows musicians to access pitches between the standard piano keys.
• Some Middle Eastern music traditions naturally incorporate microtonality.
• The violin’s ability to play microtones makes it ideal for exploring microtonality.
• Modern electronic instruments have made microtonality more accessible to composers.
• The study of microtonality reveals limitations in traditional Western tuning systems.