How many semitones in a note

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This technique allows, with a small concession to accuracy, to greatly simplify the tuning of keyboard instruments, which previously were tuned according to the key signature of the work that was to be interpreted.

Since the appearance of the equal temperament, it is possible to play in any key on a keyboard instrument. However, some contexts eg for string instruments need to take into account the difference between chromatic and diatonic semitones.

Moreover, at the theoretical level, their differentiation is essential because it allows to understand many concepts such as the construction of scales or the qualification of the intervals, which is why, whatever the temperament used, it is important to be familiar with the concepts mentioned in this chapter.

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It will not be used for other purposes. Please provide accurate and concise information so that we can clearly identify the problem. MENU Musiclever. Courses Exercises. Melody Rhythm Harmony Expression. Ear training Reading Analyze Writing. Principles All the notes of the scale of C major are separated by a tone, with the exception of the pairs E-F and B-C. C major scale Played on the piano. A tone is always formed by two conjunct notes.

If the two notes are not conjunct that is, if you can insert another note between the two , it is not a tone. Side note: This is where we get a chromatic scale from. A chromatic scale has twelve notes in and each note is a semitone higher than the last. These are when you have a semitone interval where the two notes are different letter names.

On a piano, chromatic and diatonic semitones are exactly the same notes, but, when you write them on a stave they are written differently. Chromatic and diatonic semitones are the same notes but are an example of what we call enharmonic equivalents.

An enharmonic equivalent is just another name for the same note. With the example of E to F , E to F is a semitone, and F to F is another semitone and two semitones are equal to a tone.

With the example of C to D, C to C is a semitone and C to D is another semitone and two semitones are equal to a tone.