Music Theory

Unit #13

Intervals

The distance between two notes is called an interval.

Intervals are counted from the bottom note, and include the first notes as the first step.

Intervals are named as Unison (1), 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, Octave (8th)

ie. The distance between C and E is a third. (C=1, D=2, E=3)

The distance between two notes which are played at the same time is called an Harmonic Interval.

The distance between two notes which are played one after another is called a Melodic Interval.

 Melodic Interval

Harmonic Interval

 

Naming Intervals Demo

[requires Flash plug-in]

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Intervals Exercises

1. Name the following intervals.

the answer is!!!

2. Label the following intervals as "melodic"(m) or "harmonic."(h)

 

the answer is!!!

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Diatonic Intervals

The term diatonic in music means "from a scale."

In the case of intervals a Diatonic Interval means the intervals are based on the Major Scale of the bottom note.

Built from the first note of a major scale Prime, 4th, 5th , and 8th (Octave) are called Perfect

and the 2nd,3rd,6th and 7th are called Major.

Naming Diatonic Intervals Demo

[requires Flash plug-in]

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Diatonic Intervals Exercises

Need Help?

The Magic Key Signature Charts(requires "Shockwave" plug-in)

13:1 Diatonic Intervals Drill

(requires "Flash" plug-in)

 

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Chromatic Intervals

Chromatic Intervals are built from the notes in a chromatic scale which are not in a major scale.

Chromatic Intervals are Diatonic Intervals which have been altered. (raised or lowered)

When you raise a Diatonic Interval (Major or Perfect) you get an Augmented Interval.

 Major 3rd

Augmented 3rd

 

 

Perfect 5th

Augmented 5th

 

 

When you lower a Major Interval you get a Minor Interval.

 Major 3rd

Minor 3rd

 

 

When you lower a Perfect Interval you get a Diminished Interval.

 Perfect 5th

Diminished 5th

 

 

When you lower a Minor Interval you also get a Diminished Interval.

 Minor 3rd

Diminished 3rd

 

 

NB. There are two types of Diminished Intervals.

A Perfect is lowered once to create a Diminished but a Major is lowered twice

(first to Minor then to Diminished) to create a Diminished.

Naming Chromatic Intervals Demo

[requires Flash plug-in]

Chromatic Intervals Exercises

Need Help?

The Magic Key Signature Charts(requires "Shockwave" plug-in)

 

13:2 Chromatic Intervals Drill

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Unit #13 Review

Need Help?

The Magic Key Signature Charts (requires "Shockwave" plug-in)

13:3 Intervals Drill

(Diatonic & Chromatic)

 

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