whole tone
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Definition
Noun: A whole tone is a musical interval equal to two semitones. It is the distance between two notes that have one note in between them on a standard musical scale. For example, the interval from C to D is a whole tone.
Usage
The term "whole tone" is used primarily in music theory to describe a specific interval. It is a fundamental unit in constructing scales. * In a major scale, the pattern of intervals is: whole tone, whole tone, semitone, whole tone, whole tone, whole tone, semitone. * The opposite of a whole tone is a semitone (or half step), which is the smallest interval in traditional Western music.
Examples
- The distance between the first and second notes of a major scale is a whole tone.
- To tune the guitar string up a whole tone, you must tighten it considerably.
- The composer used a scale built entirely from whole tones, creating a distinctive, ambiguous sound.
Advanced Usage
- Whole Tone Scale: A scale composed entirely of whole tone intervals. Because it divides the octave into six equal parts, it lacks a traditional tonal center and has a dreamlike, ambiguous quality. This scale was used extensively by composers like Claude Debussy.
- Example: The ethereal atmosphere in that piece is achieved through the use of the whole tone scale.
Variants and Related Words
- Tone: Can be synonymous with "whole tone" in musical contexts, but "tone" can also refer to the quality or character of a sound.
- Whole Step: A common synonym for "whole tone," especially in American musical terminology.
- Semitone (or Half Step): The interval that is half of a whole tone. It is the smallest standard interval in Western music.
Synonyms
- Whole Step
- Major Second (This is the technical name for the interval in diatonic music theory, though it is context-dependent.)
Antonyms
- Semitone
- Half Step
Noun
- a musical interval of two semitones