Overview
In this module, you will learn all about intervals - the most important ones and how they are found in pieces. As usual, there is lots of practical work plus some studies to help you grasp the concepts.
What is an interval?
An interval is the distance or space between one note to another.
It’s comprised of two components:
Intervals are usually described in the opposite order - quality first, then number: for example “Major 3rd”.
But when identifying intervals, it’s better to start with the number first. That’s because the number is much easier to quickly work out - you just need to know your alphabet!
It’s comprised of two components:
- A number (2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.) that’s found by counting the notes
- A quality (major, minor, etc.) that’s determined by the type of distance
Intervals are usually described in the opposite order - quality first, then number: for example “Major 3rd”.
But when identifying intervals, it’s better to start with the number first. That’s because the number is much easier to quickly work out - you just need to know your alphabet!
Think number first:
Thee notes C - E will ALWAYS be a 3rd
Thee notes C - E will ALWAYS be a 3rd
Think quality next:
Adding accidentals will change the QUALITY of the interval, but NOT the number. Doesn't matter how crazy the accidentals are!
Adding accidentals will change the QUALITY of the interval, but NOT the number. Doesn't matter how crazy the accidentals are!
This is STILL a 3rd
This is STILL a 3rd
Why does it matter?
Music, especially guitar music, is made of intervals. If you can fluently identify and play intervals, then you will quickly recognize them in pieces and be able to read very quickly. They also provide you with great tools for composing and improvising with.
In terms of the number component, there are only four intervals that very frequently occur in music - 3rds, 6ths, 8ves and 10ths. Check out the examples below, where I’ve indicated the numerical component of many intervals. Count them for yourself!
In terms of the number component, there are only four intervals that very frequently occur in music - 3rds, 6ths, 8ves and 10ths. Check out the examples below, where I’ve indicated the numerical component of many intervals. Count them for yourself!
Determining The Quality Of An Interval
It can sometimes be challenging to correctly identify the quality of an interval. But a great way to do this is to narrow things down a bit and then relate things to what you probably know already.
We can narrow down the quality of intervals as follows.
There are only five types of intervals:
Out of the five, there is found a hierarchy - you only want to focus on the first three types of intervals for now: Major, Minor and Perfect
And remember: for the number component, you only want to focus on 3rds, 6ths, 8ves and 10ths
A good way to work out the quality of an interval (whether it’s major, minor or perfect) is to think of major and minor scales.
We can narrow down the quality of intervals as follows.
There are only five types of intervals:
- Major - very common
- Minor - very common
- Perfect - common
- Diminished - not common
- Augmented - not common
Out of the five, there is found a hierarchy - you only want to focus on the first three types of intervals for now: Major, Minor and Perfect
And remember: for the number component, you only want to focus on 3rds, 6ths, 8ves and 10ths
A good way to work out the quality of an interval (whether it’s major, minor or perfect) is to think of major and minor scales.
- A major scale will contain a major 3rd and major 6th
- A minor scale will contain a minor 3rd and minor 6th
- Both scales contain a perfect 8ve
- A 10th is an 8ve + 3rd, so you want to think of your major and minor scales again
A summary of the most important intervals
- 3rds: Major and Minor
- 6ths: Major and Minor
- 8ves: Perfect
- 10ths: Major and Minor (same as 3rds by top note is up an octave)
