Music Theory tones and semitones - whole and half steps

Back to Music Theory

Need help with Grade 1 - Tones and Semitones? Ask our AI Tutor!

AI Tutor - Lucy

Connecting with Tutor...

Please wait while we establish connection

Hi! I'm Lucy, your AI tutor. How can I help you with Grade 1 - Tones and Semitones today?

now

Music Theory Quiz - Grade 1 - Tones and Semitones (Questions)

Learn tones and semitones in Grade 1. Spot half-steps and whole-steps, read accidentals, and hear how small pitch changes shape melodies and scales.

Explore the Topic →

(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

Sharps raise by a semitone, flats lower by a semitone. Naturals cancel accidentals back to the original note.

In Specialist Music Theory Grade 1 Tones and Semitones, you’ll learn that a semitone is the smallest step in standard Western music, and a tone equals two semitones. You’ll practise spotting accidentals and counting steps on the stave and keyboard.

Key Terms

Semitone: The smallest step between two notes (a half-step), e.g., E–F or B–C on a keyboard.
Tone: A whole-step made of two semitones, e.g., C to D.
Accidental: A sign (♯ ♭ ♮) that temporarily raises, lowers, or cancels a note within the bar.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is a semitone in music for Grade 1?

A semitone is the closest possible step between two notes. On a keyboard it’s from one key to the very next, such as E to F or B to C.

How many semitones make a tone?

One tone equals two semitones. For example, C to D is a tone because it passes through C♯/D♭ in between.

Which accidentals change notes and how?

Sharp (♯) raises a note by a semitone, flat (♭) lowers it by a semitone, and natural (♮) cancels a previous sharp or flat within the bar.

Leave Feedback

Music Theory Quiz - Grade 1 - Tones and Semitones (Questions)

Fascinating Fact:

Key Terms

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

Try These Related Quizzes