Quartal harmony is based on the stacking of perfect fourths, creating a mellow and spacious sound. It often utilizes quartal chords, such as the quartal triad (composed of four stacked fourths) and the quartal seventh chord (consisting of four stacked fourths and a major seventh).
Quintal harmony, on the other hand, involves the stacking of perfect fifths. It results in a resonant and rich sound. Common quintal chords include the quintal triad (formed by stacking three fifths) and the quintal seventh chord (built by stacking three fifths and a major seventh).
Both quartal and quintal harmony are often employed to add color, texture, and harmonic interest to musical compositions. They are commonly found in jazz, contemporary classical music, and film scores, where they contribute to creating distinctive and atmospheric soundscapes.