Intervals — The Building Blocks
Intervals are the distance between two notes and the foundation of melody and harmony. This week you will learn to name, measure, and hear the most common intervals.
Learning Goals
Lesson Content
What Is an Interval?
An interval is the distance between two pitches. When the notes are played one after another, it is a melodic interval. When played together, it is a harmonic interval.
Interval Names
Intervals are named by their quality (perfect, major, minor, augmented, diminished) and size (2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.).
- Perfect intervals: Unison (0), Perfect 4th (5 half steps), Perfect 5th (7), Octave (12)
- Major/Minor pairs: Major 2nd (2) / Minor 2nd (1), Major 3rd (4) / Minor 3rd (3)
- Tritone: 6 half steps — the interval exactly halfway through the octave
Song References
A powerful way to remember intervals is to associate each one with the opening of a familiar song:
- Perfect 4th: "Here Comes the Bride"
- Perfect 5th: "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"
- Major 3rd: First two notes of "Oh When the Saints"
- Minor 3rd: "Greensleeves" opening
- Octave: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
Practice Activities
Activity 1: Play Intervals on the Keyboard
Starting from C, play each interval on the Synthesizer: C-C (unison), C-D (M2), C-E (M3), C-F (P4), C-G (P5), C-C' (octave). Listen carefully to the "color" of each.
Activity 2: Interval Ear Training
Use the Interval Training game on Beginner with Ascending direction. Beginner mode focuses on the most common intervals. Aim for 70% accuracy before moving on.
- Listen to each interval at least twice before answering
- Try to sing or hum the interval before clicking
Activity 3: Interval Identification Speed Drill
Set the Metronome to 60 BPM. On each beat, play two notes on the Synthesizer and name the interval. Start with just P4, P5, and octave — the three "perfect" intervals.