Microtones are a musical concept that has been present in various cultures for centuries. They are intervals that are smaller than a semitone and are used to create a wide range of sounds that are not found in Western classical music. Microtones have been an important part of music from various parts of the world and are still used today in many different musical styles.

Microtones are used in a wide range of musical styles and traditions around the world. Here are a few examples of how microtones are used in different musical genres:

1. Indian classical music: Indian classical music is built around a series of notes called ragas, which are based on microtonal intervals. These intervals are used to create a wide range of sounds, and the notes are often sung in a highly ornamented manner. One example of a microtonal interval in Indian classical music is the komal rishabh, which is a flat second.
2. Arabic music: Arabic music also uses microtones, which are known as maqams. These intervals are used to create a wide range of sounds, and the notes are often sung in a highly ornamented manner. One example of a microtonal interval in Arabic music is the quarter tone, which is an interval that is halfway between two semitones.
3. African music: Microtones are often used in the singing and playing of traditional instruments such as the kora or the mbira in African music. These microtonal intervals are used to create a wide range of sounds that are not found in Western classical music.
4. Turkish classical music: Turkish classical music uses microtones known as “sikmas” to create a unique sound. These microtonal intervals are used to create a wide range of sounds that are not found in Western classical music.
5. Indonesian gamelan music: Gamelan is an ensemble of percussion instruments that are used to create a wide range of sounds, including microtones. These microtonal intervals are used to create a unique sound that is not found in Western classical music.

These are just a few examples of how microtones are used in different musical styles and traditions around the world. The use of microtones adds richness and depth to music, creating a wide range of sounds that are not possible with the Western classical music system of twelve notes arranged in semitones.

Despite the widespread use of microtones in many musical traditions, they have been largely absent from Western classical music. Western classical music is based on a system of twelve notes, which are arranged in a series of semitones. While microtones have been used by some Western composers, they have never been fully integrated into the Western musical system.

However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in microtones in Western music. Many contemporary composers are experimenting with microtonal intervals and using them to create new and innovative sounds. Some of these composers are using microtones to create a more fluid and expressive form of music, while others are using them to explore new harmonic possibilities.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard is a psychedelic rock band from Australia known for their unique sound that incorporates a wide range of musical styles and influences. One of the most distinctive features of their music is their use of microtones, which gives their music a distinctive, otherworldly quality.

In the case of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, they use microtones to create a unique, psychedelic sound that sets them apart from other bands in their genre.

The band’s use of microtones can be heard on many of their albums, including “Flying Microtonal Banana” and “K.G.”. On these albums, the band uses microtonal guitars and other instruments to create a range of sounds that are both mesmerizing and otherworldly.

For example, on the track “Rattlesnake” from the album “Flying Microtonal Banana,” the band uses microtonal guitars to create a hypnotic, almost trance-like sound. The guitars are tuned to a unique microtonal scale that gives the song a distinctive, Eastern-inspired quality.

Similarly, on the track “Minimum Brain Size” from the album “K.G.,” the band uses microtonal instruments to create a dense, multi-layered sound that is both psychedelic and futuristic. The use of microtones on this track adds to the overall sense of tension and unease that permeates the song.

In conclusion, microtones have been an important part of music from various parts of the world for centuries. They have been used to create a wide range of sounds and are still used today in many different musical styles. While they have been largely absent from Western classical music, there is a growing interest in microtones among contemporary composers. As the world becomes more connected, it is likely that microtones will continue to travel around the world, inspiring new forms of musical expression along the way.

Overall, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s use of microtones is one of the most distinctive features of their music. It gives their music a unique, otherworldly quality that sets them apart from other bands in their genre. While microtones have been used in other forms of music for centuries, the band’s innovative use of these intervals is helping to push the boundaries of contemporary rock music and inspire other artists to experiment with new sounds and musical styles.