Intervals
An INTERVAL is the distance between one note and another.
The simplest way of determining the interval between of two notes is counting the number of lines and spaces between the notes, starting with the first (lower) note as 1.
For example:
The simplest way of determining the interval between of two notes is counting the number of lines and spaces between the notes, starting with the first (lower) note as 1.
For example:
There are five types of intervals; MAJOR, MINOR, PERFECT, AUGMENTED and DIMINISHED.
Look at the following intervals:
Look at the following intervals:
The bottom notes are all C and the top notes are the notes on a C major scale.
When the interval is 2nd, 3rd, 6th or 7th, the interval is MAJOR.
When the interval is 4th, 5th or 8th, the interval is PERFECT.
Perfect 8th is also called an OCTAVE.
When the two notes are of the same pitch, the interval is UNISON.
When the interval is 2nd, 3rd, 6th or 7th, the interval is MAJOR.
When the interval is 4th, 5th or 8th, the interval is PERFECT.
Perfect 8th is also called an OCTAVE.
When the two notes are of the same pitch, the interval is UNISON.
Intervals are MINOR when the distance between major intervals is decreased by a semitone.
For example:
For example:
Intervals are AUGMENTED when the distance between perfect intervals is increased by a semitone.
For example:
For example:
Intervals are DIMINISHED when the distance between perfect intervals is decreased by a semitone.
For example:
For example:
The interval of Augmented 4th or a diminished 5th (both intervals are of the same pitch) is called a TRITONE.
In music theory, the first letters of the words ‘major’, ‘augmented’ are usually capitalized, and the first letters of the words ‘minor’ and ‘diminished’ are usually written in lower case.
An easy way to identify some intervals by listening to it is as follows:
(the songs start with the intervals)
Unison same note
minor 2nd the “Jaws” theme
Major 2nd Happy Birthday
minor 3rd So Long Farewell (The Sound of Music)
Major 3rd Oh When the Saints
Perfect 4th Amazing Grace
Tritone The Simpsons
Perfect 5th Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
minor 6th The Entertainer (3rd and 4th notes)
Major 6th Jingle Bells (Dash – ing)
minor 7th The Winner Takes It All
Major 7th Don’t Know Why (Norah Jones)
Octave Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Some – where)
(the songs start with the intervals)
Unison same note
minor 2nd the “Jaws” theme
Major 2nd Happy Birthday
minor 3rd So Long Farewell (The Sound of Music)
Major 3rd Oh When the Saints
Perfect 4th Amazing Grace
Tritone The Simpsons
Perfect 5th Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
minor 6th The Entertainer (3rd and 4th notes)
Major 6th Jingle Bells (Dash – ing)
minor 7th The Winner Takes It All
Major 7th Don’t Know Why (Norah Jones)
Octave Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Some – where)