Whole Tone - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

A whole tone is a musical interval equivalent to two half steps. It's also called a whole step. Think of it as skipping a key on the piano 🎹. It's a common interval found in scales and melodies. Two adjacent notes in a whole tone scale are two half-steps apart. This gives a more impressionistic sound. It is the basis for the whole tone scale.

Etymology

"Whole tone" is a descriptive term. It signifies a "whole" step, not a half step. The term reflects the basic building blocks of music. It has been used in music theory for centuries. It is a fairly straight forward, simple musical term.

Examples

  • "The melody moved in whole tones, creating a dreamy effect."
  • "The whole-tone scale has a unique, unresolved sound."
  • "The guitarist bent the string a whole tone."
  • "The interval between C and D is a whole tone."

Anecdote / Story

Imagine the soundtrack of a surreal movie like 'Alice in Wonderland.' The whole-tone scale could represent the bizarre and dreamlike world. It is the feeling of everything being slightly off. The lack of a strong tonal center creates that feeling of disorientation. It sounds like you've fallen down a rabbit hole. 🐇

Encouragement

The whole tone might seem simple. However, it opens up some cool musical possibilities. Listen for it in impressionistic pieces. 🎧 Try using it in your own compositions. You might create a really unique sound!

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