In musical terminology a tone can mean several related things. Most commonly it refers to a whole step, the interval of two semitones. It can also mean a musical sound of definite pitch, or the quality of sound produced by a voice or instrument.

When speaking of intervals, the major scale is described as a pattern of tones and semitones. When speaking of sound quality, musicians discuss a player’s tone—whether it is warm, bright, focused, or diffuse. Developing a beautiful and consistent tone is a primary goal of instrumental and vocal training.

Context usually makes the intended meaning clear. Interval discussions use “tone” and “semitone”; discussions of sound quality use “tone” or “tone quality.” Both meanings are fundamental to musical vocabulary and practice.

• Can mean a whole-step interval
• Can mean a musical sound of definite pitch
• Can refer to sound quality or timbre
• Context determines the sense