When looking at a piano keyboard you will see both black and white keys.
What is a half step?
If you play any key on your piano, the very next key, up or down is called a half step. There are no keys between the first key you play and the second key.
What is a whole step?
Two halves make a whole. Once again, play a key on your piano, now move up or down by two keys. The distance from the first key to the second is a whole step. You should only have one key between your first and second key.
Why are half steps and whole steps important?
Music is made of patterns which are based off scales. Scales are patterns that work together to create sounds. Depending on what type of sound you want to create may be determined by which scale structure you choose.
Ready, set, go.
Now that you understand half steps and whole steps you are ready to learn about piano scales. Check out our How to section. There you will learn how to play various scales and chords.