scalestep

Scalestep is a term used in music theory and related fields to denote a single degree or step within a musical scale. It is closely related to the idea of a scale degree, though usage may vary by author, with some treating scalestep as a practical label for the position of a note within the scale rather than a formal theoretical term.

In diatonic scales, there are seven scale steps, labeled 1 through 7, corresponding to the pitches from the tonic up to the leading tone. Each scalestep represents a specific pitch class within the octave. For example, in C major the steps are: 1=C, 2=D, 3=E, 4=F, 5=G, 6=A, 7=B. The characteristic pattern of whole and half steps between these successive scalesteps determines the scale’s overall sound.

Chromatic scales and other non-diatonic collections still organize pitches into successive scalesteps, but the intervals between steps differ. In a major scale, the interval sequence between consecutive steps is whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half.

In computational contexts, scalestep can be used as a variable or concept to describe a position within a scale or to quantize notes to the nearest allowable scale step in algorithmic composition and digital music tools.

Overall, scalestep is a flexible term whose exact meaning depends on context, but it generally refers to an individual degree or position within a musical scale.