Q. What is a tritone?

A. A tritone is a specific type of interval. It can start on any note, but the interval must be an augmented fourth or diminished fifth (these are the same). For example, if the bottom note is C, the top note will be F# (C to F is a fourth, then one must augment this by a semitone to get to F#). This also works if one thinks of it as a diminished fifth: C to G is a fifth, then make the interval smaller by a semitone to get to the F#. A tritone has also been called 'the Devil in music', and can be recognised in some songs, such as Leonard Bernstein's 'Maria' from "West Side Story".

ES
Answered by Emily S. Music tutor

5365 Views

See similar Music A Level tutors

Related Music A Level answers

All answers ▸

What should I include in a music essay?


What is Sonata form and what are its defining features?


How do I make my composition interesting?


Explain how <composer's name>'s use of instrumentation reflects the content of the extramusical work it accompanies.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning