Notation without flats or sharps in equally tempered tuning?

Question

Considering only equally tempered tuning, do full notes such as C, D, E, etc have any special characteristics compared to flats and sharps, so that they 'deserve' a separate letter? If no, would it make sense to simplify the notation to N1..N12 in case no other tunings except 12-TET existed in the world?

Answer 1

Hi there, I think I can help answer your question. If I'm not mistaken, the system of notation (A A#/Bb B C, etc.,) was widely used before equally tempered tuning came into standard practice. This is why the system of notation did not change. And while I see why you would think a different system might be more logical, it was easier for musicians to continue using the same system. Additionally, using a "N1..N12" system could be problematic as Arabic numerals are already used widely within music to organize scale degrees, time signatures, etc., so I would argue that the "letter system" is actually quite beneficial in terms of being clear and efficient.

Hope that helps!

-Nic