Music theory basics · updated 2026-08-16

SEMITONE AND WHOLE TONE

The semitone is the smallest step in Western equal temperament; two semitones make a whole tone. Everything from scales to chord spelling is counted in them.

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SOURCES AND CITATIONS

Free, primary references for semitone and whole tone — standards bodies, manufacturers, government offices and university course material.

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RELATED TERMS IN MUSIC THEORY BASICS

Tempo and BPM
Time signature
Syncopation
Harmony vs melody
Transposition
Cents
Octave
Equal temperament

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