Just intonation keyboard – play music without knowing music
This is a keyboard in just intonation. It can play the notes a piano can. The big difference from a piano is that all the notes become consonant. At least, when you want to play a dissonant chord, you are clearly opting in to it because it's clear which notes are dissonant to each other. You won't bump into a dissonant note by mistake. You can play without knowing any music theory. Hit arbitrary notes with the rhythm you want, and the pitches will work. Not understanding the buttons is fine. Even rolling your elbow around your keyboard is fine. If you are a musician and press the wrong key…
Just intonation keyboard – play music without knowing music launched on August 19, 2023 with 331 votes, #80 of 4,347 launches that month and more than 99% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 3 years on.
In plain words
Just Intonation Keyboard is a musical instrument that allows users to play consonant chords without music theory knowledge. Unlike a standard piano, its layout ensures that any notes played together sound harmonious, or make dissonance obvious when intended. Users can play freely by hitting arbitrary keys in any rhythm, and accidental notes blend seamlessly into the music rather than creating clashing sounds. The interface works for beginners and experienced musicians alike, making it accessible whether someone understands music theory or simply wants to experiment with sound.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
See harmony in just intonation, no music background needed.
This is a new music instrument using rational numbers. The article explains the discoveries in harmony which created this instrument. Instructions: Green keys on the right play sounds, and purple keys on the left change the harmony. These green text links will play sound . (Make sure your sound is on. If you're on mobile, you will have to tap once before it'll let you play. On iOS, make sure the Silent Mode switch is off.) The insight is that the green keys are multiples of one frequency, which are all the notes that can be played together. This means you can play all the notes simultaneously (volume warning) , or any subset. As a consequence, rolling your elbow over the keyboard or…from ad8e.pages.dev
In the maker’s words, at launch
This is a keyboard in just intonation. It can play the notes a piano can. The big difference from a piano is that all the notes become consonant. At least, when you want to play a dissonant chord, you are clearly opting in to it because it's clear which notes are dissonant to each other. You won't bump into a…
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