Theory Threads

Introduction To Intervals

Where It Starts

Now that you have a basic understanding of a few different types of scales, we need to begin to look at the distance between notes in a scale. Simply, an interval is the distance in pitch (high/low) between two notes. No need to get out your ruler or tape measure, we have a different method in music.

A harmonic interval is one where the notes are performed at the same time (like forming harmony). A melodic interval is where they are played one note and then the next (like a melody).

Here are some sample intervals:

Unison (two of the same pitch), 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths, and octave (the unison up 8 pitches)

Measuring Intervals

The term perfect (P) is only used for unisons, 4ths, 5ths, and octaves (a compounded unison).

The term major (M) is used for 2nds, 3rds, 6ths, and 7ths when borrowed from a MAJOR scale.

The term minor (m) is used for 2nds, 3rds, 6ths, and 7ths that are made a half-step smaller.

Often, we see these as P5 (a perfect fifth), M2 (a major second), or m6 (a minor sixth). Always start counting with the bottom note (also known as the root or the "first scale degree.")

Remember: "Semitone" is just another name for a "half step" - the smallest interval in Western music.

Here is the set of intervals in the C major scale (or any major scale, for that matter).

12 semitones = 1 octave (Save this for later.)

STOP!

This is very important! We DO NOT use enharmonic spellings for diatonic (these kinds of) intervals! (But it sounds the same, so what's the big deal?) What does that mean? Well, notice how the minor 7th in the chart above is C -> Bb. This is a m7.

If you spelled the chord (which sounds the same, by the way) C -> A#, then it is no longer a m7!

It's actually an augmented 6th. What????????? Don't quit now. There's more to learn!

Level Up!

If a perfect or major interval is made a half step larger without changing its numerical name, the interval is said to be augmented (+).

If a perfect or minor interval is made a half step smaller without changing its numerical name, the interval is now diminished (o).

Smallest -> -> -> -> -> Largest

Diminished ------- Minor ------- Major ------- Augmented (for 2nds, 3rds, 6ths, 7ths)

Diminished ------- Perfect -------- Augmented (for unisons, 4ths, 5ths)

Invert It:

So, there is something called the "Rule of 9" in music, which states that if you flip (invert) the bottom note of an interval to the top, then you can just subtract from the number 9 to find the new interval. Let's try it.

Here we have a C and an E (a 3rd). Let's flip the bottom note (root) C up an octave. Now, we still have a C and an E, but the E is on the bottom. Measuring from the bottom note, we now have a 6th!

"Rule of 9"

9 - 3 = a 6th!

It works with Major <-> Minor and Augumented <-> Diminished, too. Our example is actually a Major 3rd to start, but when we flip it, it becomes a minor 6th. Perfect will always stay perfect.

Buckle Up!

1) Experiment

Click the logo to the right and try to make some intervals of your own.

Change your clef (treble or bass).
Start with a root note of Bb, C, or G before you get crazy with other intervals.
M = major, m = minor, A = augmented, and d = diminished
Finally, change the clef to the piano keyboard and see what these look like (and how many half steps are in between). Don't forget to count the bottom note as "1" and include black and white keys in your counting. Go back to the graphic above and compare.

2) Shhhh...Listen

You can live a perfectly full life not knowing how to identify musical intervals. Watch this video to hear some different types of intervals.

Hint: Try to find a song that you know that uses these intervals to help remember them.

Here are a few of mine:

Major 3rd - The beginning of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony - 1st Movement (You know, the "Judge Judy" Theme Song.) A minor 3rd follows it.
Perfect 4th - The opening of the Bridal Chorus. "Here Comes The Bride..."
Major 6th - Three-note NBC Theme. "N, B, C"

3) Let's Play!

Using this link, try your hand (ummm, your ear) at hearing a few intervals. Keep it simple! Don't assume that doing poorly on this makes you a bad musician! I know plenty of musicians who would struggle with this and, yet, they make very, very, very good livings in musical careers. Like everything else that we have been exploring, many musicians do not stop and think about this concept -- they just do it. It's an awesome skill to develop if you have the time, though, and will make you the hit of your next party.

4) Let's Review: Click this link for one final refresher of musical intervals.

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