Step Ladder, Music, Quick check
Which definition best defines a half step?
1. the largest interval between notes
2. a jump halfway across a piano keyboard
3. the smallest interval between notes
4. a skip only within one section of the piano
The correct answer is 3. the smallest interval between notes.
The definition that best defines a half step is 3. the smallest interval between notes.
To determine which definition best defines a half step, let's break down the options and see how to arrive at the correct answer.
1. The largest interval between notes: A half step refers to the smallest interval, not the largest, so this option is incorrect.
2. A jump halfway across a piano keyboard: While this option mentions the word "halfway," it does not accurately describe a half step. A half step is the smallest distance between two adjacent notes, regardless of how far apart they are on the keyboard. Therefore, this option is also incorrect.
3. The smallest interval between notes: This is the correct choice. A half step is the smallest distance between two adjacent notes, whether on a piano or any other musical instrument.
4. A skip only within one section of the piano: This option is incorrect because it describes a skip rather than a half step. A skip implies jumping over a note, whereas a half step is a movement to the very next note, regardless of its position on the keyboard.
Therefore, the correct definition of a half step is that it is the smallest interval between notes.