Question: What are Intervals?
Answer: An interval is the difference between two pitches measured by half steps.
Sizes of Intervals
- 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 of Intervals
- Perfect Intervals have only one basic form. The first or prime, fourth, fifth and eighth 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.
