intervals_1

An Interval is the gap in pitch between two notes. (not the intermission in a concert!)

It's always taken from the lower note to the upper.

They are defined by type and number

The number is how many steps the upper note is from the lower.

eg C to E is a major 3rd - as E is the 3rd note of C major

eg F to D is a 6th - as D is the sixth note of F major

Type: There are 4 types of interval:

Major, Minor, Augmented or Diminished.

As the 4th, 5th and 8th intervals are the same for major and minor, these are called Perfect

eg C to F is called a Perfect 4th.

F and E# might be the same notes on the piano, but in this business are treated as completely different notes.

So whilst C to F = Perfect 4th, C to E# would be an AUGMENTED 3RD.

Equally, C to Eb = MINOR 3RD; but C to D# would be an AUGMENTED 2ND

Method:-

1. Work out the number from the line spacing between notes (eg line- next line up - is a 3rd)

2. Think major scale of lower note: what would the nth note (found in 1 above) be?

3. Compare given note with nth to determine type.

IF IT'S: same note= MAJOR; +1 semitone: AUGMENTED; -1 semitone: MINOR*; -2 semitones: DIMINISHED*

*for 4th, 5th, 8th - there's no major/minor: IF same: its PERFECT; +1 semitone: AUGMENTED, -1 semitone: DIMINISHED

So far we've looked at Intervals up to an Octave (8 notes).
 For Intervals OVER an Octave, take out an octave, follow steps 1-3, then either call them COMPOUND  or + 7 to the number. 

Cycle of 5ths
Time signiatures
key signiatures
Transposition
scales
Short score vs Openshort vs open
Chords and inversions
ornaments
Cadence