An interval is the distance between any two notes. or the distance from one played note to the next. For example: Go to a piano keyboard and hold down any two keys. The distance between those two notes is an interval. Now this time strike any key once and then strike any other key. This also an interval. It doesn’t matter if you play both notes at the same time or if you play them one after the other, the distance between two notes is an interval. If you play the notes one after the other, then that interval is classified as a Melodic Interval but if you play both notes at the same time then the interval is classified as a Harmonic Interval.
Intervals are named or classified by counting the number of steps and 1/2 steps in between the two interval notes. Before we go into further explanation let ‘s list the entire set. The following are named by starting on one note and then counting each one up from that same note one at a time :
0 Steps = Unison (two instruments playing the note in the same pitch)
1/2 Step = Minor 2nd
1 Step = Major 2nd
1 and 1/2 Steps Minor 3rd
2 Steps = Major 3rd
2 and 1/2 Steps = Perfect 4th
3 Steps = TRITONE (Augmented Fourth or Diminished Fifth)
3 and 1/2 Steps = Perfect 5th
4 Steps = Minor 6th
4 and 1/2 Steps = Major 6th
5 Steps = Minor 7th
5 and 1/2 Steps = Major 7th
6 Steps = Octave
No matter which two notes you start and stop on, the order of steps and 1/2 steps above will always apply.
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COMPOUND INTERVALS
Compound intervals are intervals larger than an octave. For example:
9th = an Octave + a Major 2nd ( 6 steps + 1 step)
10th = an Octave + a Major 3rd ( 6 steps + 2 steps)
11th = an Octave + a Perfect 4th ( 6 steps + 2 and 1/2 steps)
12th = an Octave + a Perfect 5th ( 6 steps + 3 and 1/2 steps)
13th = a Octave + a Major 6th ( 6 steps + 4 an 1/2 steps)
There is much more to be said about intervals. For example:
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The fact that other intervals are often created or considered by adjusting the size of these main intervals and/or using enharmonic spellings in the same way that the black notes of the piano have enharmonic letter names.
- That this is the main set of intervals. The static frame of reference from which all others are considered.
- That there is a core set of seven intervals within this main set which are taken from the Major scale and the names of all the other intervals are actually an adjustment from this core seven.
But to get any further into intervals overlaps into our lessons on scales and chords so For now just concern yourself with what intervals are and how they are constructed.
Next we will discuss scales
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OLIVER IAN CROSS 