Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
11:15
fMRI Mapping of Brain Activity Associated with the Vocal Production of Consonant and Dissonant Intervals
Published on: May 23, 2017
The perception of harmonic triads: an fMRI study
Takashi X Fujisawa1, Norman D Cook
1Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
Brain Imaging and Behavior
|February 8, 2011
Summary
This fMRI study reveals brain activation patterns related to harmony perception. Specific brain regions, including the right orbitofrontal cortex, show distinct responses to musical chords, particularly during transitions from tension to resolution.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychoacoustics
- Music Cognition
Background:
- Harmony perception is fundamental to music cognition.
- Psychoacoustical models explain traditional harmony theory.
- Brain mechanisms underlying harmony perception remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural correlates of harmony perception using fMRI.
- To determine the relationship between diatonic triads and brain activation.
- To link psychoacoustical properties of chords to brain responses.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed.
- Participants (12 right-handed, male non-musicians) listened to harmonic triads.
- Stimuli varied in semitone difference, representing stable (major/minor) and unstable (diminished/augmented) chords.
Main Results:
- Distinct brain activation was observed in the right orbitofrontal cortex and cuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus.
- The strongest hemodynamic responses correlated with rising pitch from harmonic tension to modal resolution.
- Brain responses differentiated between chords based on their psychoacoustical stability.
Conclusions:
- The right orbitofrontal cortex and cuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus are involved in processing Western harmony.
- Brain activity reflects the psychoacoustical stability and resolution of musical chords.
- fMRI can distinguish neural responses to harmonic stimuli based on theoretical models.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Introduction:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, can include a specialized imaging technique of the urinary system known as Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU). This radiation-free technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images with the help of a computer. MRU is particularly effective for visualizing fluid-filled structures like the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.Applications of MRI in the Genitourinary SystemKidneys and Ureters: MRI detects tumors, cysts,...
01:02¹H NMR: Interpreting Distorted and Overlapping Signals
Spin systems where the difference in chemical shifts of the coupled nuclei is greater than ten times J are called first-order spin systems. These nuclei are weakly coupled, and their chemical shifts and coupling constant can generally be estimated from the well-separated signals in the spectrum.
As Δν decreases and the signals move closer, the doublets appear increasingly distorted. The intensities of the inner lines increase at the cost of those of the outer lines as the signals are slanted or...
As Δν decreases and the signals move closer, the doublets appear increasingly distorted. The intensities of the inner lines increase at the cost of those of the outer lines as the signals are slanted or...
01:01Perception of Sound Waves
The human ear is not equally sensitive to all frequencies in the audible range. It may perceive sound waves with the same pressure but different frequencies as having different loudness. Moreover, the perception of sound waves depends on the health of an individual's ears, which decays with age. The health of one's ears may also be affected by regular exposure to loud noises.
The pitch of a sound depends on the frequency and the pressure amplitude of the source. Two sounds of the same frequency...
The pitch of a sound depends on the frequency and the pressure amplitude of the source. Two sounds of the same frequency...
01:29Dark Triad and Person Perception
Person perception is influenced by both external behaviors and the observer’s internal characteristics, including personality traits. Individuals with dark personality traits, comprising psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism — collectively known as the dark triad – exhibit manipulative and exploitative tendencies in social contexts. These traits affect how they perceive others and how they are perceived.The Role of Dark Personality Traits in Person PerceptionBlack et al. (2014) explored...