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
Augmented
View all intervalsterms →An interval that has been widened by one semitone beyond its major or perfect form.
FifthThe interval spanning five scale degrees, most commonly the perfect fifth.
Whole toneAn interval spanning two semitones, equivalent to a major second.
Compound IntervalAn interval wider than an octave, such as a ninth, tenth, or eleventh.
Minor ThirdAn interval spanning three semitones, often described as having a dark, melancholic, or tender quality.
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 09/04/2026Browse all terms →