A microtone is a musical interval smaller than a semitone, which is the smallest interval in Western music. Microtones are often used in various musical traditions around the world, including Indian classical music and Middle Eastern music. These intervals allow for a richer palette of sounds and can create unique emotional effects in compositions. Instruments like the oud and sitar are designed to produce microtones, enabling musicians to explore a wider range of pitches. Microtonal music challenges conventional Western tuning systems, offering new ways to express musical ideas and emotions through subtle pitch variations.