Grammar types in language explain tone sequence processing in music

In this ERP study, linear and center-embedded musical sequences are built according to two artificial grammar types in language, named finite state grammar (FSG) and phrase structure grammar (PSG). The aim is to prove if neural sources and processing mechanisms for artificial grammar settings across domains are the same. Isochronous pitch sequences were constructed by two interval categories (3rd and 6th) in upward and downward direction. FSG sequences, which have the general form ABAB in artificial grammar, are translated into “small up/small down/large up/large down”. PSG sequences of form A[AB]B are transposed to “small up/large up/large down/small down”. In two ERP recordings testing FS…