An interval is the distance between two notes. Intervals are always
counted from the lower note to the higher one, with the lower note being
counted as one. Intervals come in different qualities and size. If the notes
are sounded successively, it is a melodic interval. If sounded
simultaneously, then it is a harmonic interval.
The smallest interval used in Western music is the half step. A
visual representation of a half step would be the distance between a
consecutive white and black note on the piano. There are two exceptions to
this rule, as two natural half steps occur between the notes E and F, and B
and C.
A whole step is the distance between two consecutive white or black
keys. It is made up of two half steps.
Qualities and Size
Intervals can be described as Major (M), Minor (m), Perfect (P),
Augmented (A), and Diminished (d).
Intervals come in various sizes: Unisons, Seconds, Thirds, Fourths,
Fifths, Sixths, and Sevenths.
2nds, 3rds, 6ths, and 7ths can be found as Major and Minor.
Unisons, 4ths, 5ths, and Octaves are Perfect.
When a major interval is raised by a half step, it becomes augmented.
When a major interval is lowered by a half step, it becomes minor.
When a major interval is lowered by two half steps, it becomes diminished.
When a minor interval is raised by a half step, it becomes major.
When a minor interval is raised by two half steps, it becomes augmented.
When a minor interval is lowered by a half step, it becomes diminished.
When a perfect interval is raised by a half step, it becomes augmented.
When a perfect interval is lowered by a half step, it becomes diminished.
INVERSIONS OF INTERVALS
Intervals can be inverted, which basically means you turn them
upside down. The lower note is raised up an octave so that the top
note/bottom note relationship is reversed. The chart below shows the
inversions of intervals.
Qualities
- Major becomes Minor
- Minor becomes Major
- Perfect remains Perfect
- Augmented becomes Diminished
- Diminished becomes Augmented
|
Size
- 2 becomes 7
- 3 becomes 6
- 4 becomes 5
- 5 becomes 4
- 6 becomes 3
- 7 becomes 2
|
Interval Identification
It is important to be able to hear and identify intervals. This is a
very important thing for musicians to do.