Intervals
An interval measures the distance, or musical space, between two pitches. We describe this distance by relating information about the size (the amount of diatonic steps from the starting point to the ending note) and the quality (major, minor, etc.).
The unison is an interval, but it expresses that the notes are the same. For any other interval, we always count the starting and ending intervals [ C – D is a second, which can be further described as major, minor, or another quality based on the accidentals which accompany the C and D.] The starting note, C, is one and the ending note, D, is 2, so we have the interval of a second. The interval between ANY and C and D is a second.
Intervals
- Unison
- Second
- Third
- Fourth
- Fifth
- Sixth
- Seventh
- Octave
Intervals that are sounded together are described as harmonic – they create a harmony of two or more notes. On the other hand when notes are sounded on after the other their intervals are described as melodic.
One way to identify intervals quickly is to pay attention to whether they start on a line or space. Notes on spaces will add 2 to the starting point of 1 for every subsequent space.
If your first note is on a space and your second note is on the next space after one line: 1 + 2 = 3. Your next note is a third. If your first note is on a space and your second note is on the next space after 2 lines: 1 + 2 + 2= 5. Your next note is a fifth. This continues up to 15ths. The same relation is true for notes on spaces. Once you are able to figure out the odd intervals, just go up or down one to find the other intervals.
Compound Intervals
Intervals that are an octave or smaller are called simple; anything over an octave is called a compound interval. Compound intervals are named by adding a 7 to the simple interval. SO we have:
- Ninth
- Tenth
- Eleventh
- Twelfth
- Thirteenth
- Fourteenth
- Fifteenth
