Two Half-Step Types: Diatonic Half-Step and Chromatic Half-Step

In today’s lesson, we’ll be looking at two half-step types: the diatonic and the chromatic half steps.

Although this lesson is written with beginners in mind, it’s also essential for musicians of other skill levels to know the clear distinction between the two half-step types.

Therefore, it’s important for every serious musician to invest the next 10 minutes in reading through this blog.

Two Half Step Types – Explained

There are two half-step types:

Diatonic half-step

Chromatic half-step

…and we’ll be focusing on them in this segment

A Short Note On The Diatonic Half-Step

A half-step is said to be diatonic when it consists of two notes that differ in letter name. For example, C and Db:

…or C# and D:

…are diatonic half-steps.

“Let Me Tell You Why…”

The reason why C and Db:

…is considered to be diatonic is because C and Db differ in letter name and so is the half-step between C# and D:

…which consists of two notes that differ in letter name.

C is a C note while Db is a D note. The Hence, the interval between C and Db is a diatonic half-step.

C# is a C note while D is a D note. Hence, the interval between C# and D is a diatonic half-step.

“In A Nutshell…”

Any half-step between two notes that differ alphabetically is a diatonic half-step.

“What Is A Chromatic Half-Step?”

A chromatic half-step is a half-step formed by two notes that are identical in letter name. For example, C and C#:

…or Db and D:

…are chromatic half-steps.

“Give Me You Undivided Attention…”

C and C#:

…is considered to be a chromatic half-step because C and C# are identical in letter name and so is the half-step between Db and D:

…which consists of two notes that are identical in letter name.

C is a C note and so is C#. Hence, the interval between C and C# is a chromatic half-step.

Db is a D note and so is D. Hence, the interval between Db and D is a chromatic half-step.

“In A Nutshell…”

Any half-step between two notes that are alphabetically identical is a chromatic half-step.

Final Words

I’m sure you’ve learned the two half-step types – the diatonic and chromatic half-step – and the characteristic difference between both of them.

I’ll see you in another exciting lesson.

Thank you for your time!

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Chuku Onyemachi

Head of Education at HearandPlay Music Group

Onyemachi "Onye" Chuku is a Nigerian musicologist, pianist, and author. Inspired by his role model (Jermaine Griggs) who has become his mentor, what he started off as teaching musicians in his Aba-Nigeria neighborhood in April 2005 eventually morphed into an international career that has helped hundreds of thousands of musicians all around the world. Onye lives in Dubai and is currently the Head of Education at HearandPlay Music Group and the music consultant of the Gospel Music Training Center, all in California, USA.

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Tagged as: chromatic half-step, diatonic half-step, half-step