Glossary, Semitone
   
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Semitone

Glossary

A semitone or half-step (also minor second) is the smallest interval or difference in pitch between two notes in the twelve tone system, and divides the octave into twelve equal pieces. All intervals can be divided into a whole number of semitones. (See also Whole tone.)

Common scales are composed of semitone and whole tone steps, with some alternating between them (diminished scale), one consisting solely of whole tones, and the other two consisting of runs of whole tones with semitones interspersed (diatonic and acoustic scales).

For example, a semitone is formed by moving from E to F, or from B to C, or by playing E and F at the same time, or B and C.