Half tones refer to the intermediate shades of color or gray that exist between pure black and pure white. In printing and photography, half tones are created by varying the size and spacing of dots, allowing for a smooth transition between different tones. This technique is essential for producing images with depth and detail. In the context of music, half tones, or semitones, are the smallest intervals between notes in Western music. For example, the distance between C and C# is a half tone. Understanding half tones is crucial for musicians when tuning instruments and composing melodies.