Intervals
Intervals aren't the first reason to learn to play an instrument
but they are a major second…
Bad jokes aside, what is an interval?
An interval in music is defined as the distance in pitch between any two notes. When these notes are sounded successively (one after another) then this is referred to as a melodic interval. When both notes are played simultaneously such as in a this is referred to as a harmonic interval. Simple intervals span the range of one Octave or less where as compound intervals stretch beyond the range of an Octave. For our purposes we will be looking at simple intervals.
Interval Names
Intervals are given a number that corresponds with the distance between two notes that also includes those those two notes. For example, the distance between C and G is considered a 5th. You might think that it should in fact be a 3rd because there are 3 notes (D,E,F) between C and G however it includes the C and the G in the equation. Intervals also have a prefix that determines the quality or classification of interval. These include, Major, Minor, Perfect, Augmented and Diminished.
Perfect
Perfect intervals are neither major nor minor. It’s said that they were thought to be in perfect harmony with the universe due to the fact that the ratios of their frequencies are whole numbers. These are the same overtone frequencies found in the harmonic series. Moreover, if you invert a perfect interval you will get another perfect interval.
The Perfect intervals include: Perfect Unison (same note), 4th, 5th and 8th or Octave.
The short forms for these intervals are: PU, P4, P5, P8
Major
Major intervals tend to sound brighter and happier. For example the notes C and E create a major 3rd which is what we hear in a major triad or chord. The distance between the notes is further than in minor intervals.
The different major intervals are: Major 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th
The short forms for these intervals are: M2, M3, M6, M7
Minor
Minor intervals are smaller than their major counterparts. You can make a major interval minor by shrinking the distance by exactly 1 semitone. For example if we took the major third of C to E and lowered the E to make it an Eb then it becomes a minor 3rd.
The different Minor intervals are: Minor 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th
The short forms for these intervals are: m2, m3, m6, m7
Augmented
Augmented intervals are created when a perfect or major interval is expanded by one semitone. The number does not change however the letter prefix becomes an A or sometimes the + symbol is used. For example if we take C to G (P5) and raise the G by one semitone we get C to G# A5 (+5).
Augmented intervals are somewhat less common as they sound enharmonically equivalent to the minor interval one number larger. For example C to D# could be considered an Augmented 2nd (A2) but it also sounds the same as a minor third which is C to Eb (m3). The difference is in how they are written on the staff.
Diminished
Diminished intervals are created when a perfect or minor interval shrunk by one semitone. The number does not change however the prefix becomes a d or sometimes the ° symbol is used. For example with C to G (P5) if we lower the G to Gb then it becomes C to Gb d5 (°5).
Tritone
An augmented 4th (A4) or diminished 5th (d5) are also known as a tritone. This interval sounds very dissonant. It was thought that prior to the 1600’s the use of the tritone was strictly prohibited in sacred music written for the catholic church however this is only a myth. Although dissonant and somewhat unpleasant to the ear, you still hear the tritone used frequently in music. Johan Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was particularly good at using the tritone strategically as we hear in his famous Tocatta in D.
Hearing and Identifying Intervals
When hearing and trying to identify different intervals it can help to think of familiar songs or tunes that use said interval. For example, an ascending Perfect 5th is used in the theme from Star Wars by John Williams. Or a Perfect Octave is heard in the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow written by Harold Arlen from the movie The Wizard of Oz. There are many different songs one can use to remember the different intervals. I’ve compiled a guide to help you remember the different Intervals.
Intervals Guide
The Intervals Guide includes:
Chart with the name, symbol as well as ascending and descending songs
An exercise to help you sing each of the different intervals
Each interval written on the staff starting from Middle C
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I look forward to seeing you in the studio and online!
Sincerely,
Adam
