Theory of Music

Grade One - Lesson 7 Semitones, Tones and Accidentals

Semitones
A semitone is the distance between any note and the note immediately above it or below it.

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Tone
A tone is equal to two semitones. The distance of a tone always has one key (black or white) in between.

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Semitones and Tones

Look at the keyboard below and work out which two white keys have no black key between them.

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Semitones and Tones Summary

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Semitones and Tones

Look at the notes below and work out if the pair of notes are a tone or semitone apart.

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Accidentals
An accidental is a sign put in front of a note to make the note sound higher or lower. The most common signs you will see to do this are:

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Accidentals
SHARPS, FLATS AND NATURALS VIDEO

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Sharp Sign
A sharp sign is one kind of accidental. It raises a note by a semitone. Be careful when drawing sharps on lines and spaces. The box must be placed clearly on a line or space. Practice drawing sharps on lines and spaces.

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Flat Sign
A flat sign is one kind of accidental. It lowers a note by a semitone. Be careful when drawing flats on lines and spaces. The halfleaf shape must be placed clearly on a line or space. Practice drawing flats on lines and spaces.

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Natural Sign
A natural sign is one kind of accidental. It cancels a sharp or flat. A note with a natural sign in front of it is always a white note. Be careful when drawing naturals on lines and spaces. The oblong box must be placed clearly on a line or space. Practice drawing naturals on lines and spaces.

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Important!
Accidentals are always placed before a note on the stave. They are always on the same line or space as the note being altered.

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Questions
What does a sharp sign in front of D do to that note? What does a flat sign in front of B do to that note? What does a natural sign in front of F do to that note? Which pairs of white keys on the piano keyboard are a semitone apart?

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Answers
What does a sharp sign in front of D do to that note? It raises the D by a semitone What does a flat sign in front of B do to that note? It lowers the B by a semitone What does a natural sign in front of F do to that note? It cancels the accidental before. It means to play the normal white key. Which pairs of white keys on the piano keyboard are a semitone apart? E to F and B to C.
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Questions
Name the following signs and symbols.

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Homework
Complete lesson 7 in Master Your Theory Grade 1.

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