hemitonic

Hemitonic is a term used in music theory to describe a musical scale or mode. Specifically, it refers to scales that contain a specific interval pattern. In a hemitonic scale, there is at least one interval of a semitone, also known as a half step. This distinguishes it from an anhemitonic scale, which contains no semitones.

The presence of a semitone is a fundamental characteristic of many common scales. For example, the major scale, also known as the diatonic scale, is hemitonic. The natural minor scale is also hemitonic. The semitone provides a sense of tension and resolution, which is crucial for melodic and harmonic movement in Western music.

Scales can be classified as either hemitonic or anhemitonic. An anhemitonic scale, like the pentatonic scale (often in its major or minor form), avoids semitones entirely. This results in a different character, often described as more open or less dissonant. Understanding whether a scale is hemitonic or anhemitonic can help in analyzing its sound and its potential use in composition. The term is particularly useful when comparing different modal systems or when discussing scales from non-Western musical traditions.