For characterizing a tone signal a sequence of quantized entry times for each of at least two tone sources over time is provided on the basis of a quantization raster. Hereupon, a common period length underlying the at least two tone sources is determined using the sequences of entry times. Hereupon, the sequence of entry times is divided into respective sub-sequences, wherein a length of a sub-sequence is equal to the common period length. Finally, the sub-sequences for the first tone source are combined into a first combined sub-sequence and for the second tone source into a second combined sub-sequence, i.e. for example using a pattern histogram, in order to characterize the tone signal by the first combined sub-sequence and by the second combined sub-sequence, e.g. with regard to rhythm, speed or genre.