puolisävelaskel

Puolisävelaskel, also known as a semitone or half step, is the smallest interval in Western music. It represents the distance between two adjacent keys on a piano, whether they are white to black or black to white. In musical notation, it is the smallest difference between two pitches. For example, the interval between C and C sharp (or D flat) is a puolisävelaskel. Similarly, the interval between E and F, or B and C, are also puolisävelaskel intervals.

The puolisävelaskel is a fundamental building block for scales and chords. For instance, the major scale is constructed with a specific pattern of whole steps (kaksi puolisävelaskelta) and puolisävelaskel intervals. The major scale pattern is whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half. The minor scale also utilizes puolisävelaskel intervals, contributing to its distinct sound. Understanding puolisävelaskel is crucial for comprehending melody, harmony, and musical structure.

In many musical traditions outside of Western classical music, other intervallic structures exist. However, within the context of Western music theory, the puolisävelaskel holds a foundational position. Its pervasiveness in scales, chords, and melodic movement makes it indispensable for musicians and theorists. The concept of sharpening or flattening a note by a puolisävelaskel is central to modulation and harmonic progression.