More Intervals & Ear Training
This week you expand your interval toolkit to include 6ths, 7ths, and the mysterious tritone. You will also begin training with descending and harmonic intervals.
Learning Goals
Lesson Content
6ths and 7ths
- Major 6th (9 half steps) — Warm, sweet. Think of the opening of "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean."
- Minor 6th (8 half steps) — Darker, slightly mysterious.
- Major 7th (11 half steps) — Bright but tense, one half step short of an octave.
- Minor 7th (10 half steps) — Bluesy, soulful. Common in dominant 7th chords.
The Tritone
The tritone (6 half steps, also called an augmented 4th or diminished 5th) divides the octave exactly in half. It was historically called "the devil's interval" because of its restless, unstable sound. It desperately wants to resolve.
Descending Intervals
When you hear the higher note first, the interval moves down. This sounds different from ascending even though the distance is the same. Your brain needs separate practice to identify descending intervals.
Harmonic Intervals
When both notes are played simultaneously, you hear a harmonic interval. You must listen for the "color" or quality of the blend rather than a melodic leap.
Practice Activities
Activity 1: Explore New Intervals
On the Synthesizer, play these intervals from C: C-A (M6), C-Ab (m6), C-B (M7), C-Bb (m7), C-F# (tritone). Play each one ascending, then descending, then both notes together.
Activity 2: Intermediate Interval Training
Move to Intermediate difficulty in the Interval Training game. This adds the new intervals. Try all three directions: Ascending, Descending, and Together (harmonic).
- Start with Ascending until you hit 60% accuracy
- Then switch to Descending for focused practice
- Finally try Together (hardest mode)
Activity 3: Pitch Training Level Up
Move Pitch Identification to Intermediate. This adds more notes including some sharps. Strengthening your pitch memory supports all interval work.
Activity 4: Duration Hearing — Intermediate
Move to Intermediate difficulty in the Duration Hearing game. This introduces more complex rhythmic patterns. Sharpen your ability to distinguish note lengths by ear.