Recognition of musical triad quality

Abstract

Certain patterns of pitch, such as chords and scales, are central to the organization of traditional music. These patterns are identified by standardized nomenclature, and form a basis for analytical listening to music. The auditory processes involved in recognition may be revealed by comparing the ability of trained subjects to categorize these standard patterns. Perceptual confusion among standard, three-tone stimuli was studied in 19 musically trained subjects. A solid-state organ, interfaced to a digital computer, was used to present the stimuli; a terminal connected to the same computer was used to collect the responses. All subjects received the same stimuli, randomly accessed by the computer program. The subject indicated whether the signal presented was major, minor, augmented, or diminished. The three-note signals were presented in three manners: simultaneously, ascending (in pitch), and descending. All stimuli were presented at both O.2- and 0.1-sec note duration. Accuracy wan least for shorter duration and for simultaneous presentation. Different triad qualitites maintained essentially the same performance rank through the different modes of presentation. Patterns of confusion and response bias suggest the subjects' use of pre-existent auditory images.