1 Introduction to Music Theory: semitones/tones


In western music pitch is arranged around semitones. On the piano each key is relatively half of a tone higher then each key on its left, whether this is a black or a white key.

 

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So the black key (2) is a semitone higher than the white key (1), but also the white key (3) is a semitone higher than key (2) and the white key (4) the same compared to the white key (3).

 

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Whenever we play two keys with one key in between them, we play a (whole) tone. So we can play 1 2 3 2 1 from different positions at the keyboard, but the phrase sounds the same.


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