Note in an octave

[John M. Formsma]

Jim,

I was watching it also.  :-)

A whole tone is 2 half steps.  There are 12 half tones in an octave and 6
whole tones.   An example of whole tones comprising an octave would be
C-D-E-F#-G#-A#-C

John Formsma
Blue Mountain, MS


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pianotech@ptg.org [mailto:owner-pianotech@ptg.org]On Behalf
Of harvey
Sent: Monday, November 08, 1999 7:46 PM
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: Note in an octave


#2 daughter just asked me, "Dad, how many whole tones are in an octave"?

I could have belabored the point, based on 12-tone music, etc. However, I
said "Eight, like 'octo' from the Latin, etc. Why do you ask?"

She had just been watching the 'Who wants to be a millionaire" program, and
this was one of the questions. The contestant answered "Eight"... bzzzt.

The "correct" response was that there are twelve half-tones in an octave,
and SIX whole tones. The contestant missed the question by answering eight.

So, in spite of all my muzical educashun, I must have been sick that day.
Would someone 'splain this to me?



Jim Harvey, RPT
Greenwood, SC
harvey@greenwood.net
________________________
 -- someone who's been in the field too long.