Tonality systems

The term “tonality system” is used in Dorico Elements to encompass three crucial elements that together make up the concept of tonality.

The three elements that make up tonality systems are:

  • A number of equal divisions of the octave, or EDO. For example, standard Western scales with half-step (semitone) steps have 12-EDO.

  • A set of accidentals. This allows you to notate how much a note is raised or lowered.

  • A key signature. In Dorico Elements, you can use any traditional Western key signature.

Dorico Elements provides the following tonality systems in each project by default:

  • Equal temperament (12-EDO): Contains twelve half-step (semitone) steps

  • Equal temperament (24-EDO, Gould arrows): Contains 24 quarter tone steps and uses Gould arrow quarter tone accidentals

  • Equal temperament (24-EDO, Stein-Zimmermann): Contains 24 quarter tone steps and uses Stein-Zimmermann quarter tone accidentals

You can find existing tonality systems in your project in the Tonality System section of the Key Signatures, Tonality Systems, and Accidentals panel.