Tritone
An interval of six semitones — exactly half an octave
Category
intervals
Pronunciation
TRY-tohn
Origin
Latin
Length
93 words · 1 min read
About Tritone
The tritone divides the octave precisely in two and comprises three whole tones. Its dissonant, restless sound earned it the medieval nickname "diabolus in musica" (the devil in music).
More intervals terms
Minor Second
View all intervalsterms →An interval spanning one semitone, the smallest step in standard Western music.
Perfect FifthAn interval of seven semitones
Minor ThirdAn interval spanning three semitones, often described as having a dark, melancholic, or tender quality.
Major SecondAn interval spanning two semitones, equivalent to a whole tone or whole step.
ThirdAn interval spanning three diatonic scale degrees
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 09/04/2026Browse all terms →