WHOLE TONE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "whole tone" refers to a musical scale or interval. In Western music theory, a whole tone is defined as a distance of two semitones or whole steps. It is an interval that spans two adjacent notes with no intermediary pitch. This creates a distinct tonal quality with an absence of tension or resolution commonly associated with other scales or intervals.
The whole tone scale consists of six different notes, each separated by a whole tone. It produces a unique sound characterized by its lack of a leading tone and the absence of semitones. This scale is particularly prevalent in impressionistic and modern music, often used to create an ethereal and dreamlike ambiance.
Whole tones have significant implications in harmony and composition. They can be utilized to create chords built entirely of whole tones, known as whole tone chords, which further contribute to the mysterious and dissonant nature of the given piece. Additionally, the whole tone scale can serve as a useful tool for composers looking to expand their tonal palette and explore unconventional harmonic progressions.
Overall, the concept of whole tone is essential in understanding and analyzing various musical elements, such as scales, intervals, chords, and harmonies. Its distinctive sound and its impact on composition make it a significant aspect of Western music theory.
Common Misspellings for WHOLE TONE
- qhole tone
- ahole tone
- shole tone
- ehole tone
- 3hole tone
- 2hole tone
- wgole tone
- wbole tone
- wnole tone
- wjole tone
- wuole tone
- wyole tone
- while tone
- whkle tone
- whlle tone
- whple tone
- wh0le tone
- wh9le tone
- whoke tone
- whuole tone
Etymology of WHOLE TONE
The word "whole tone" originated from the combination of two terms: "whole" and "tone".
"Whole" comes from the Old English word "hal", which means "entire, unhurt, healthy", and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hailaz". It is also related to the Old Norse word "heill", meaning "sound, healthy", and the German word "heil", meaning "whole" or "undamaged".
"Tone" has its origins in the Latin word "tonus", referring to a musical tone or sound. The Latin term has its roots in the Greek word "tonos", which denotes "a sound" or "a tone".
Therefore, "whole tone" simply combines these two common words to describe a musical interval, specifically referring to the distance of two whole steps in Western music scale.
Similar spelling words for WHOLE TONE
- whole thing,
- twin-aisle airplane,
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- more well-done,
- done all,
- most well-done,
- town wall,
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- Danny Aiello,
- yellow dune,
- all done,
- willie dunn,
- whole-tone interval,
- ill done-by,
- done well,
- tannu-ola mountains,
- Well done!,
- all buttoned-down,
- down alley,
- whale down,
- Tin Alley,
- well done,
- tawny owl.
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