Semitones are a musical concept referring to the smallest interval between two consecutive pitches or notes in Western music. Specifically, it is the distance between any two adjacent keys on a piano, which are represented by the black and white keys, including both the natural notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G) and the sharps or flats (represented by a '#' or 'b' symbol, respectively).
In a standard Western scale, the octave is divided into 12 equal semitones. This means that there are 12 distinct pitches or notes within one octave before the cycle repeats itself. For example, going up from A to A' involves traveling through 12 semitones. This 12-tone system forms the basis of Western music and allows for the creation of melodies, harmonies, and chords.
The size of a semitone is generally considered to be uniformly small, representing the smallest interval between two pitches. However, it is important to note that in some musical traditions or scales, such as those found in Indian or Arabic music, smaller intervals than the Western semitone are utilized.
Understanding the concept of semitones is crucial for musicians when reading and transcribing music, as well as for performing various musical techniques such as scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions. It provides a fundamental framework for musical composition and enables musicians to create and appreciate the rich melodic and harmonic landscapes of Western music.
