Mismatch Negativity as a Marker of Detecting Difference of Music Chords

Abstract

Generation of mismatch negativity (MMN) to deviant stimuli of different frequencies and of different harmonies has been examined. The present study addresses the amplitude of MMN to chords typically used in music as deviant stimuli in tests for event-related potential (ERP) measurements. The amplitudes of MMN elicited by a minor chord, a neutral chord, and dissonance as deviant stimuli, and to a major chord as a standard stimulus are roughly the same. These amplitudes were higher than that of MMN to a major chord as a deviant stimulus. Blank stimuli as a deviant elicited no MMN. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014.