Interval
The distance between two pitches, generally counted in half and whole steps.
Half Step
(also known as semitone) – the distance between two adjacent pitches on the keyboard. Often spelled as a minor second.
Whole Step
(also known as a tone) – Two half steps (semitones). Often spelled as a major second.
Minor Second (m2)
Two pitches (an interval) a half step apart, spelled using successive letter names.
Major Second (M2)
Two pitches (an interval) a whole step apart, spelled using successive letter names.
Minor Third (m3)
Two pitches (an interval) three half steps apart, spelled using letter names with a letter in between them.
Major Third (M3)
Two pitches (an interval) four half steps apart, spelled using letter names with a letter in between them.
Sharp
When this symbol ? is placed in front of a note, we raise it by a half step.
Flat
When this symbol ? is placed in front of a note, we lower it by a half step.
Natural
When this symbol ?is used, we are to play the natural (white note) version of a particular pitch. It is frequently used to cancel sharps and flats that already appear elsewhere in the measure.
Accidentals
Term we use as a catchall to describe the symbols placed in front of notes to change their spelling: sharps, flats, and natural signs (later, we will discuss two more accidentals: double-sharps and double-flats).
Enharmonic
Two notes that are spelled differently but sound the same are considered to be enharmonic equivalents.
Unison
Two pitches that are the same.