Semitone

Definition

A semitone is the smallest musical interval commonly used in Western music, representing the distance between two adjacent keys on a piano keyboard, whether they are white or black. It serves as a fundamental building block in music theory, allowing for the construction of scales and chords, and is crucial for understanding concepts like tuning and harmonic relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are 12 semitones in an octave, each representing a specific pitch interval.
2. On a piano keyboard, moving from one key to the next—regardless of color—counts as one semitone.
3. Semitones play a vital role in defining major and minor scales, which consist of specific patterns of whole tones and semitones.
4. In Western music, the equal temperament tuning system divides the octave into 12 equal semitones, allowing for versatile harmonic structures.
5. The concept of a semitone can also be applied in microtonal music, where intervals smaller than a semitone are explored.

Review Questions

• How do semitones contribute to the structure of scales in Western music?
  • Semitones are essential for forming scales in Western music, as they create the specific interval patterns that define different scales. For example, a major scale consists of a sequence of whole tones and semitones arranged in a specific order, starting with two whole tones followed by a semitone. This pattern helps to establish the tonal center and gives each scale its unique sound.
• Compare the use of semitones in the equal temperament tuning system with other historical tuning systems.
  • In the equal temperament tuning system, semitones are divided equally across an octave, resulting in each of the 12 semitones being exactly the same size. This allows musicians to play in any key without having to retune their instruments. In contrast, historical tuning systems like just intonation or meantone temperament have varying sizes of semitones based on mathematical ratios. This variation can create different musical effects and emotional qualities but limits the keys that can be played harmoniously.
• Evaluate how understanding semitones enhances a musician's ability to create complex harmonic progressions.
  • Understanding semitones allows musicians to manipulate intervals effectively when creating harmonic progressions. By recognizing how different combinations of semitones contribute to tension and resolution within music, musicians can craft sophisticated progressions that evoke various emotions. This knowledge also aids in transposing pieces into different keys and exploring advanced chord structures, expanding their compositional techniques and improvisational skills.

Related terms

Whole tone: A whole tone is an interval consisting of two semitones, often perceived as a larger step between notes in music.

Chromatic scale: The chromatic scale is a musical scale that includes all twelve semitones within an octave, using both the white and black keys on a piano.

Tuning system: A tuning system refers to the method by which pitches are arranged in music, determining how semitones are used to create scales and harmonies.