semitone Definition
a half step in the diatonic scale of music.
Using semitone: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "semitone" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
To play a C# on a piano, you need to move up a semitone from the note C.
Example
The song was written in a minor key and used many semitones to create a haunting melody.
Example
The guitar solo featured a lot of fast semitones that added excitement to the piece.
semitone Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for semitone
- half step
- half tone
Summary: semitone in Brief
A 'semitone' [ˈsɛmɪtəʊn] is a musical term that refers to a half step in the diatonic scale. It is used to describe the distance between two adjacent notes on a keyboard or fretboard. For example, to play a C#, you need to move up a semitone from the note C. 'Semitone' is also known as 'half step' or 'half tone.'