The Equal Temperament

Equal temperament is a musical tuning system where the octave is divided into 12 equal parts, called semitones. This means that each note is spaced evenly apart in terms of pitch. This system allows musicians to play in any key and still maintain harmony between instruments, making it easier to compose and perform music. It became the standard in Western music, especially for keyboard instruments, because it provides versatility and consistency across different musical pieces. Essentially, equal temperament balances the need for both harmonic richness and practical usability in music.