The notion of “same note” in music theory can refer to a few different concepts, such as enharmonic equivalence and interval equivalence. Enharmonic equivalence refers to the idea that two different written symbols, such as “C#” and “Db”, represent the same pitch. Interval equivalence refers to the idea that two different intervals, such as a perfect fifth and an augmented fourth, can be played on the same two pitches.
In the context of the flat 5, sharp 11th, and tritone, enharmonic equivalence and interval equivalence can be used to determine if these symbols and intervals refer to the same pitch and interval, respectively.
The flat 5, also known as the diminished fifth, is a musical interval that spans seven semitones, or half-steps, above the root note. The sharp 11th, also known as the augmented eleventh, is a musical interval that spans four semitones, or half-steps, above the perfect eleventh. The tritone, also known as the augmented fourth or diminished fifth, is a musical interval that spans six semitones, or half-steps, above the root note.
In terms of enharmonic equivalence, the flat 5 and the tritone do refer to the same pitch. The sharp 11th and the tritone, however, do not refer to the same pitch. This is because the flat 5 and the tritone are enharmonically equivalent to each other, meaning that they are written differently but represent the same pitch. The sharp 11th and the tritone, however, are not enharmonically equivalent to each other, as the sharp 11th is written as a sharp and the tritone is written as a flat or a sharp, depending on the context.
In terms of interval equivalence, the flat 5 and the tritone do refer to the same interval. The sharp 11th and the tritone, however, do not refer to the same interval. This is because the flat 5 and the tritone have the same interval size, meaning that they span the same number of semitones above the root note. The sharp 11th and the tritone, however, have different interval sizes, as the sharp 11th spans four semitones above the perfect eleventh, while the tritone spans six semitones above the root note.
In conclusion, the flat 5, sharp 11th, and tritone are not the same note in the sense that they do not refer to the same pitch or interval. However, the flat 5 and the tritone are enharmonically equivalent and refer to the same interval. The sharp 11th and the tritone are not enharmonically equivalent and do not refer to the same interval. This information is based on the standard practices of Western music theory and jazz theory.
