Definition

A musical interval that is smaller than the smallest standard interval used in Western music, which is a semitone.

Example

In some traditional music, musicians use microtones to create unique sounds that are not found in Western music scales.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a microtone in music?

Yeah, I think it's an interval smaller than a semitone, right?

Exactly! Musicians use microtones to create unique sounds.

That sounds really interesting; I’d love to hear some examples.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Microtone → It is formed from "micro-" (from Greek "mikros", meaning small) and "tone" (from Greek "tonos", meaning tone or tension). The word "microtone" refers to a small interval of pitch, smaller than a semitone.

Memory Tip

Think of 'small' ('micro-') sounds or pitches ('tone') to remember that a microtone is a very small musical interval.

Visually Confused Words