First step: interval type
With natural notes
For the moment, we won't talk about interval quality, but we will discuss it soon
We begin with ascending intervals: left to right on the keyboard, bottom to top on the staves
Now, look at the staves, with only the natural notes.
How to calculate the interval between two notes? It's very easy!
We begin with what we call ...
seconds
Take C and D. You just go from C to D, and say "C, D".
You said two notes: the interval between C and D is a second
Take D and E. You just go from D to E, and say "D, E".
You said two notes: the interval between D and E is a second
Take B and C. You just go from B to C, and say "B, C".
You said two notes: the interval between B and C is a second
interval second
Now ...
thirds
Take C and E. Just say "C, D, E": you said three notes: the interval between C and E is a third
Take D and F. Just say "D, E, F": you said three notes: the interval between D and F is a third
Take A and C. Just say "A, B, C": you said three notes: the interval between A and C is a third
interval third
Then...
Fourths
It is the exact same process, as described in this image.
flat keys
Following the same steps, here are other intervals:
Fifths
Between D and A for example (remember, for the moment: always ascending)
Sixths
Between E and C for example
Sevenths
Between C and B for example
Octaves
Between C and another C , 12 semi-tones away for example
Bonus : unisson
If you take a note, and the exact same note (the same spot on keyboard), the corresponding interval is what we call an unisson. (not very interesting? in fact, when we will qualify the intervals, we'll see that this is not useless)
With any note
What is the interval between C♯ and E.
It's the same process, but before counting, take out the alterations, that is to say sharps (♯) and flats (♭). We are not changing the notes! It is just a formal process. So now you say "C,D,E" : you said three notes, so the interval between C♯ and E is a third.
The rule is in fact very simple: alterations do not change the type of the interval. (we'll see that on the other hand, they change its quality)
Second step: interval quality
As you may have noticed, if you take thirds, for example, there is a difference between the third corresponding to C and E, and the third corresponding to E and G.
Let's check the distance (remember the post Distance between notes ?) between those note:
It takes 4 semi-tones (that is to say two whole tones) to go from C to E. We call that a major third
It takes 3 semi-tones (that is to say on whole-tone plus one semi-tone) to get from E to G. We call that a minor third.
That is what we call qualifying the intervals.
You'll have to remember ( and play !) this table:
INTERVAL TYPEDISTANCE IN SEMI-TONESNAMEEXAMPLE
unison0perfect unisonA-A
1augmented unisonA-A#
second1minor 2ndE-F
2major 2ndB-C#
3augmented 2ndAb-B
third2diminished 3rdE-Gb
3minor 3rdF-Ab
4major 3rdG-B
5augmented 3rdC-E#
fourth4diminished 4thB-Eb
5perfect 4thG-C
6augmented 4thF-B
fifth6diminished 5thF-Cb
7perfect 5thEb-Bb
8augmented 5thD-A#
sixth7diminished 6thC#-Ab
8minor 6thG-Eb
9major 6thD-B
10augmented 6thC-A#
seventh9diminished 7thC#-Bb
10minor 7thC-Bb
11major 7thD-C#
12augmented 7thC-B#
Sometimes, it can be tricky: there is 3 semi-tones between E and G, and as well, 3 semi-tones between Ab and B. But the first one is called a minor third, whereas the second one is called an augmented second. Why so?
Remember the first step of this post:
Take E and G. Just say "E, F, G": you said three notes: the interval between E and G is a third. Now, look at the table above: a third with 3 semi-tones is called a minor third
Take Ab and B. Just say "A, B" (remember the rule for intervals between any notes?): you said two notes: the interval between Ab and B is a second. Now look at the table above: a second with 3 semi-tones is called an augmented second.
Major and Minor : Why those names?
There is lot to say about interval names...
The bad news is:
So if the names seem complicated to you ... well ... it's normal ! But you'll get used to it soon.
The good news is:
First: You won't use a lot intervals like augmented 6th or diminished 3rd!
Second: There is a simple rule to remember the most common names. It's all about going up and down.
Intervals with only natural notes, where the first note is C: all intervals that aren't unison, 5th, 4th or octave are major. (C to D is a major 2nd, C to E is a major 3rd, C to A is a major 6th, C to B is a major 7th)
Intervals with only natural notes, where the last note is C: all intervals that aren't 5th and 4th are minor. (B to C is a minor 2nd, A to C is a minor 3rd, E to C is a minor 6th, D to C is a minor 7th)
The other intervals with only notes, beginning or ending with C, that is unison, 4th, 5th or octave, are perfect.
Explanation:
