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

1. a musical interval of two semitones