Intervals

Intervals are the distances between any two notes. Each interval will have a number - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. These numbers are the distance between two notes, based upon counting the lines and spaces on the staff.For example, if we count lines and spaces, starting from C and ending on G, we count: C,D,E,F,G = 1,2,3,4,5, Therefore, the interval from C to G is a fifth (5th).


We can also keep counting past 8, through 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, but usually not past 13.

List of interval types:
  • Unison - 1
  • Second - 2nd
  • Third - 3rd
  • Fourth - 4th
  • Fifth - 5th
  • Sixth - 6th
  • Seventh - 7th
  • Octave - 8ve
  • Ninth - 9th
  • Tenth - 10th
  • Eleventh - 11th
  • Twelfth - 12th
  • Thirteenth - 13th
Interval quality:
Intervals also have another identifier in addition to number called the interval quality. Intervals can be called Major (M), minor (m), Perfect (P), Augmented (A), or diminished (d).


Major Intervals:
Minor Intervals:
Perfect Intervals:


Augmented Intervals:


Diminished Intervals:
Each interval comprises of a certain number of half-steps. With the aid of a keyboard it is easy to visualize and count the number of half-steps that make up intervals.
List of intervals:
  • P1, d2 = 0 half-steps
  • m2, A1 = 1 half-step
  • M2, d3 = 2 half-steps
  • m3, A2 = 3 half-steps
  • M3, d4 = 4 half-steps
  • P4, A3 = 5 half-steps
  • A4, d5 = 6 half-steps
  • P5, d6 = 7 half-steps
  • m6, A5 = 8 half-steps
  • M6, d7 = 9 half-steps
  • m7, A6 = 10 half-steps
  • M7, d8 = 11 half-steps
  • P8, A7 = 12 half-steps