Puolisävelaskelien

Puolisävelaskelien refers to the smallest interval in Western music, also known as a semitone or half step. It is the interval between two adjacent keys on a piano, for example, C to C# or E to F. In a diatonic scale, such as the C major scale, a half step occurs between the third and fourth degrees (E and F) and the seventh and eighth degrees (B and C). In contrast, a whole step (or whole tone) is equivalent to two half steps. The concept of half steps is fundamental to understanding musical harmony, melody, and intonation across various musical traditions. The chromatic scale is composed entirely of half steps, with twelve distinct half steps forming an octave. The perception and precise execution of half steps are crucial for tuning instruments and for singers maintaining accurate pitch.