Semitone
The smallest interval in standard Western music
Category
intervals
Pronunciation
SEM-ee-tohn
Origin
Latin
Length
79 words · 1 min read
About Semitone
A semitone (or half step) is the distance between any two adjacent keys on a piano, whether white or black. Twelve semitones make up an octave.
More intervals terms
Unison
View all intervalsterms →Two or more voices or instruments sounding the same pitch simultaneously or playing the same melody.
AugmentedAn interval that has been widened by one semitone beyond its major or perfect form.
Minor ThirdAn interval spanning three semitones, often described as having a dark, melancholic, or tender quality.
TritoneAn interval of six semitones — exactly half an octave
Minor SixthAn interval spanning eight semitones, with a bittersweet quality often used in expressive melodic writing.
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 09/04/2026Browse all terms →