Intervals
Learn about intervals, the concept in music that describes the distance and relationship between two notes.
Intervals might not seem very exciting to beginners starting out with music theory. However, they are essential for understanding the structure of scales and chords you'll learn later. It’s okay if intervals feel a bit difficult at first. You’ll gradually become more familiar with them as you study scales and chords.
1. What Are Intervals?
An interval refers to the distance between two notes. You count the distance starting from the lower note to the higher one. For example, C to D is a 2nd, and C to E is a 3rd. This is how we describe the distance between two notes in music.
Please select two notes!
Please select two notes!
2. Interval Quality
As you’ve seen, intervals describe the distance between two notes. But using just numbers like 2nd or 3rd doesn’t provide enough detail. For example, both C to E and C to E♭ are '3rds', but C to E is a wider distance.
3rd
3rd
Here’s the difference between them:
From C to E, there are 4 semitones. This means the distance between C and E is 4 semitones.
(C → C# → D → D# → E)
From C to E♭, there are 3 semitones. So the interval between C and E♭ is 3 semitones.
(C → C# → D → E♭(=D#))
Although both are 3rds, they differ in actual distance. To describe them accurately, we add a quality label like 'Perfect', 'Major', or 'Minor'.
Major 3rd
Minor 3rd
Now you can express intervals more precisely!
3. Types of Interval Quality
There are five types of interval qualities: 'Perfect', 'Major', 'Minor', 'Augmented', and 'Diminished'.
- Perfect: Used for 1st, 4th, 5th, and 8th intervals. These sound the most stable and consonant.
- Major: Used for 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th intervals. These sound bright and clear.
- Minor: Also used for 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th intervals. These sound darker than major intervals and are one semitone smaller.
- Augmented: An interval that is one semitone larger than a perfect or major interval.
- Diminished: An interval that is one semitone smaller than a perfect or minor interval.
Here’s a simple diagram to illustrate these interval types:
Select two notes!
Select two notes and check the interval!
Good to know
Doubly Augmented & Diminished Intervals
- Doubly Augmented: One semitone larger than an augmented interval.Example: D♭ to G# (Doubly Augmented 4th)
- Doubly Diminished: One semitone smaller than a diminished interval.Example: C to G♭♭ (Doubly Diminished 5th)
4. How to Calculate Intervals
The name of an interval is determined by both the note names and the number of semitones between them.
For example, C to E is a 3rd with 4 semitones, so it’s a Major 3rd.
Below is a table showing the names of intervals and their semitone counts.
| Interval Name | Semitone Count | Example (based on C) |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect Unison | 0 | C → C |
| Minor 2nd | 1 | C → D♭ |
| Major 2nd | 2 | C → D |
| Minor 3rd | 3 | C → E♭ |
| Major 3rd | 4 | C → E |
| Perfect 4th | 5 | C → F |
| Perfect 5th | 7 | C → G |
| Minor 6th | 8 | C → A♭ |
| Major 6th | 9 | C → A |
| Minor 7th | 10 | C → B♭ |
| Major 7th | 11 | C → B |
| Perfect Octave | 12 | C → C (one octave up) |
Even if two intervals have the same number of semitones, they may have different names depending on their note spelling. For instance, C to E♭ and C to D♯ both have 3 semitones but are called Minor 3rd and Augmented 2nd, respectively, due to different scale positions.
5. Summary
You’ve now learned the most important concepts about intervals! Try selecting two notes on the keyboard below to test your knowledge and hear the sound.
Please select two notes!
First Note:
Second Note:
Good to know
Perfect vs. Major/Minor Intervals
Perfect Intervals are the most basic and stable intervals, based on simple frequency ratios.
Examples: Unison (1:1), Octave (2:1), 4th (4:3), 5th (3:2)
These simple ratios are naturally harmonious and are perceived as very stable and smooth.
Perfect intervals stay perfect even when inverted. For example, C4 to F4 is a Perfect 4th, and when flipped (F4 to C5), it becomes a Perfect 5th.
That’s why they are called 'Perfect' and were considered ideal and sacred in medieval music theory. They are seen as the most fundamental and stable intervals both aurally and theoretically.
Major & Minor Intervals are more variable than perfect intervals, and they tend to feel less stable due to their more complex frequency ratios.
Examples: Major 3rd (5:4), Minor 3rd (6:5)
A Major interval becomes Minor by lowering it by a semitone, and vice versa. For example, A3 to C4 is a Minor 3rd, while A3 to C#4 is a Major 3rd.
When inverted, Major becomes Minor and Minor becomes Major. For instance, C3 to E3 is a Major 3rd, but inverted (E3 to C4) becomes a Minor 6th.
Major and Minor intervals have two distinct characteristics and can transform between each other with semitone changes or inversion. This flexibility allows for richer musical expression and plays a key role in shaping emotion and atmosphere in music.