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Semitone

Definition

A semitone refers to the smallest interval used in Western music theory. It represents a distance of one half step between two adjacent notes.

Related terms

Chromatic Scale: The chromatic scale includes all twelve pitches within an octave and consists entirely of consecutive semitones.

Whole Tone Scale: Unlike the semitone, which represents a half step, the whole tone scale consists only of whole steps or tones between each note.

Enharmonic Equivalent: Enharmonic equivalents are two different notations (such as C# and Db) that represent the same pitch on an instrument but are written differently.

"Semitone" appears in:

Study guides (1)

  • AP Music Theory - 2.4 Other Scales: Chromatic, Whole-Tone, and Pentatonic

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About Us

About Fiveable

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Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

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Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.