tone system

In music, a tone refers to a sound with a regular vibration, perceived as having a specific pitch. The distance between two tones is called an interval. These intervals are measured within scales, which are sequences of notes that divide an octave.1234

Western music primarily uses a 12-note chromatic scale, organized into major and minor modes. A heptatonic scale consists of seven tones, with the major and minor scales being common examples. The specific arrangement of intervals within a scale defines its mode, providing a framework for melodies. The historical development of Western music shows a transition from ancient Greek modes to the modern major and minor systems.56789