Interval Training Tutorial
Learn to hear the distance between two notes. This guide covers what intervals are, how they sound, and how to identify them.
How to Play
The Interval Training game plays two notes and asks you to identify the distance (interval) between them.
Listen
Click "Play Interval" to hear two notes. Choose ascending, descending, or harmonic (together) mode.
Identify
Select the interval name from the answer buttons. Use the sound descriptions to help you decide.
Replay
Need to hear it again? Click "Replay" as many times as you need before answering.
Learn
If you guess wrong, the correct answer is shown. Over time, your ear will learn to recognize each interval.
What Is an Interval?
An interval is the distance in pitch between two notes, measured in half steps (the smallest step on a piano — one key to the next). Each interval has a unique sound quality that you can learn to recognize by ear.
Interval Reference
Each interval has a characteristic sound. Associating intervals with famous melodies can help you remember them.
| Interval | Half Steps | Sound Quality | Song Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unison | 0 | Same note | — |
| Minor 2nd | 1 | Tense, close | "Jaws" theme |
| Major 2nd | 2 | Bright step | "Happy Birthday" (first two notes) |
| Minor 3rd | 3 | Sad, gentle | "Greensleeves" |
| Major 3rd | 4 | Happy, sweet | "Oh! When the Saints" |
| Perfect 4th | 5 | Open, strong | "Here Comes the Bride" |
| Tritone | 6 | Unstable, eerie | "The Simpsons" theme |
| Perfect 5th | 7 | Powerful, hollow | "Star Wars" (main theme) |
| Minor 6th | 8 | Bittersweet | "The Entertainer" |
| Major 6th | 9 | Warm, romantic | "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" |
| Minor 7th | 10 | Jazzy, bluesy | "Somewhere" (West Side Story) |
| Major 7th | 11 | Bright, dreamy | "Take On Me" (first two notes) |
| Octave | 12 | Full, complete | "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" |
Direction Modes
The game offers three ways to hear each interval:
Ascending
Low note first, then high note. The most common way to practice.
Descending
High note first, then low note. Intervals can sound different going down.
Harmonic
Both notes played together. Focuses on the blended sound.
Tip: Start with ascending intervals. Once comfortable, try descending — it's like hearing the melody backwards and requires a different listening skill.
Difficulty Levels
Beginner
- Unison, Perfect 4th, Perfect 5th, Octave
- Wide, distinctive intervals
- Easiest to tell apart
Intermediate
- Adds 2nds, 3rds, and Tritone
- 9 intervals total
- Requires finer listening
Advanced
- All 13 intervals (adds 6ths and 7ths)
- Close intervals are challenging
- Full chromatic ear training
Tips for Success
- Sing the interval — after hearing it, try to sing both notes. This engages your musical memory.
- Use song references — associate each interval with a familiar melody. This is the fastest way to learn.
- Compare similar intervals — major vs minor 3rd, or perfect 4th vs perfect 5th. Learn to hear the difference between close pairs.
- Practice daily — even 5 minutes a day builds ear training skills steadily.
- Try all three directions — ascending, descending, and harmonic all develop different aspects of your ear.
Related Resources
Continue your learning journey with these related tutorials and resources:
- Chord Identification Tutorial — Chords are built from intervals — learn to hear them stacked together.
- Scale Identification Tutorial — Scales are sequences of intervals. Recognizing intervals helps identify scales.
- Note Reading Tutorial — See intervals written on the staff and learn to read their notation.
- Synthesizer Tutorial — Play intervals on the keyboard to hear and internalize them.
- Music Theory Guide — Comprehensive reference covering intervals, chords, scales, and more.
- Practice Tips — Proven strategies for effective ear training practice.
Ready to Train Your Ear?
Start identifying intervals with the interactive game!