Why does Chinese music sound so different?

Most scales are, as Pythagoras’ scale, defined by algorithms, but still sound so unfamiliar to us. The Pentatonic scale is no different. When transposed into the same key, the major differences are therefore the number of pitches of a scale and the variation of intervals between each tone.

What scales do Asian music use?

Most Chinese music uses a pentatonic scale, with the intervals (in terms of lǜ) almost the same as those of the major pentatonic scale.

Why is Asian music pentatonic?

In fact, it seems we as humans naturally respond to pentatonic scales. They are simple and harmonious, yet complex enough to create a virtually infinite variety of music. So the chinese using primarily, or exclusively, pentatonic scales is no different than Ifa culture in Nigeria using those same scales in their music.

What is the difference between Chinese music and Western music?

Compared to traditional Chinese music, traditional western music shows greater complexity in configuration, orchestration, harmony and so on. For instance, different branches of orchestra cooperate with each other, producing abundant sound and together with harmony show a modality that appear to be complex.

What are the different music in Asia?

Folk / traditional music in Asia The traditional music in Asia can be divided into four regions. The music of first two categories have more similarity with the same roots. Raga, maqam and different type of classical traditional music in Iran, India, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Arabs countries and etc.

How is the music of Korea described?

It includes court music, folk music, poetic songs, and religious music used in shamanistic and Buddhist traditions. Together, traditional Korean music is referred to as gugak (Hangul: 국악), which literally means “national music.”

What key is Japanese music in?

The yo scale, which does not contain minor notes, according to a traditional theory is a pentatonic scale used in much Japanese music including gagaku and shomyo. The yo scale is used specifically in folk songs and early popular songs and is contrasted with the in scale which does contain minor notes.