In the Major Scale Where Do the Semitones Come?

The minor second occurs in the major scale, between the third and fourth degree, (mi (E) and fa (F) in C major), and between the seventh and eighth degree (ti (B) and do (C) in C major). It is also called the diatonic semitone because it occurs between steps in the diatonic scale.

What are the semitones in a major scale?

A major scale may be seen as two identical tetrachords separated by a whole tone. Each tetrachord consists of two whole tones followed by a semitone (i.e. whole, whole, half).
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The scale degrees are:
  • 1st: Tonic.
  • 2nd: Supertonic.
  • 3rd: Mediant.
  • 4th: Subdominant.
  • 5th: Dominant.
  • 6th: Submediant.
  • 7th: Leading tone.
  • 8th: Tonic.

Where do semitones appear?

So, the distance or interval between C and C sharp/D flat is a semitone (or half step). The distance between the A and A flat/G sharp is clearly a semitone/half step. The interval between two black and white notes that are next to each other on a piano is always a semitone – this is easy to remember.

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Consumer Tech & Gadget Reviewer

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.