Microtones are musical intervals smaller than a semitone, which is the smallest interval in Western music. They allow for a richer palette of pitches and are commonly used in various musical traditions around the world, such as Indian classical music and Middle Eastern music. Instruments like the oud and sitar can produce microtones, enabling musicians to create unique melodies and harmonies. Microtonal music challenges the conventional Western tuning system, which typically divides an octave into 12 equal parts, offering new ways to explore sound and expression.