Question: What are Intervals?
Answer: An interval is the difference between two pitches measured by half steps. It is also defined as the distance of one note to another note. In Western music, the smallest interval used is the half-step. Learning about intervals makes it easier to play scales and chords.
Intervals have two characteristics: the type or quality of an interval (ex. major, perfect, etc.) and the size or distance of an interval (ex. second, third, etc.). To determine an interval, you first look at the type of interval followed by the size (ex. Maj7, Perfect 4th, Maj6, etc.). Intervals can be major, minor, perfect, augmented and diminished.
Sizes or Distance of Intervals (Using the C Major Scale as Example)
- Prime/First - c to c
- Second - c to d
- Third - c to e
- Fourth - c to f
- Fifth - c to g
- Sixth - c to a
- Seventh - c to b
- Octave - c to c
Types or Qualities of Intervals
- Perfect Intervals have only one basic form. The first (or prime), fourth, fifth and eighth (or octave) are all perfect intervals. When you lower a perfect interval by a half step it becomes diminished. When you raise it a half step it becomes augmented.
- Non-perfect Intervals have two basic forms. The second, third, sixth and seventh are non-perfect intervals; it can either be a major or minor interval (ex. Maj7, minor6, etc.). When you lower a major interval by a half step, it becomes a minor. When you raise it a half step it becomes augmented. On the other hand when you lower a minor interval by a half step it becomes diminished. When you raise it a half step it becomes a major.
