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The Comma Pump

In just intonation, the chord progression I-vi-ii-V-I should return to the starting pitch. But it doesn't!

Each cycle drifts down by a syntonic comma (81:80, ~21.5 cents). After a few cycles, the drift is clearly audible.

This is why equal temperament was invented -- to prevent pitch drift in common progressions.

Press Play to hear the comma pump