half step

theoryhaf stepfrom English

The smallest interval in standard Western music, equal to one semitone.‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‍

In Depth

A half step (called a semitone in British terminology) is the distance between two adjacent keys on ‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‍a piano — whether from a white key to the nearest black key or from E to F (or B to C, the two pairs of white keys with no black key between them). Half steps create tension and direction in music. The leading tone (seventh degree of a major scale) is one half step below the tonic and pulls strongly toward it — this gravitational pull is the foundation of tonal music. Chromatic passages (moving by half steps) add colour and intensity.

Did you know?

The two half steps in a major scale (between degrees 3-4 and 7-1) are what give major keys their distinctive bright quality. Change their position and you get a completely different scale.

Related Terms

semitone whole step chromatic interval

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accidental

A sharp, flat, or natural sign that alters a note from the prevailing key signature.

accidentals explained

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Relating to sound or the properties of sound, especially music produced without electronic amplification.

Aeolian mode

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aleatory

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alto

The second-highest voice type, or an instrument pitched between soprano and tenor.

amplitude

The measure of a sound wave's intensity, perceived as loudness or volume.

anacrusis

One or more notes before the first full bar of a piece, also called a pickup or upbeat.

Keep Exploring

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