How to use Quarter-Tones

We are excited to announce that we have added quarter-tones to the Flat editor making the platform even more dynamic! If you are curious about what they are and how to use them within Flat keep on reading.

What is a Quarter tone?

Most of us are familiar with music that is formed using the principles in Western Music. Everything from pop, rock, and symphonies use the same twelve notes (or tones). But music has roots all around the world and in many cultures, music utilizes notes beyond the twelve tones we are familiar with.

To put it simply, it is a pitch halfway between the usual notes within the Chromatic Scale! Quarter tones divide an octave by 50 cents each and have 24 different pitches.

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Fun fact: Quarter tones roots can be found in the Middle East and more specifically it can be traced to traditional Persian music.

How to enable quarter-tones in Flat.

Quarter-tones are a premium feature on Flat. To enable them, you need to go to the instrument's settings. Click on “Quarter-Tones”, then click on “Enable quarter-tones for this part”.

Using quarter-tones in your score

Now that the quarter-tones are available for the instrument, you can find them in the Notes toolbar.

There is a dropdown that allows you to access all four quarter accidentals.

We hope that this slight introduction has helped you better understand what a quarter tone is and how to use it!

Keep making great music!

The Flat Team