1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Music Education

What are Intervals?

By , About.com Guide

Intervals

Intervals

Public Domain Image from Wikimedia Commons
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.
More Music Education Q&A

Explore Music Education

By Category

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Music Education
  4. Beginner's Guide
  5. Articles and Lessons
  6. Essential Music Theory
  7. What are Intervals?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.