Augmented Interval

Definition

An augmented interval is a musical interval that is one half step larger than a perfect or major interval. These intervals create a sense of tension and can be used to enhance musical expression, making them important in various contexts. Understanding augmented intervals is crucial for identifying relationships between notes, as well as for recognizing how they function in chord progressions and when intervals are inverted.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Augmented intervals are often labeled with a '+' symbol or the word 'aug' to indicate their larger size compared to perfect or major intervals.
2. The augmented fifth interval is particularly important in music theory, as it forms the basis of the augmented chord, which has a unique sound and can resolve to various tonalities.
3. When an augmented interval is inverted, it changes its quality and may become a diminished interval depending on the original interval's structure.
4. Augmented intervals can create a heightened sense of drama and tension in musical compositions, often leading to resolutions in more stable harmonies.
5. Musicians often encounter augmented intervals in genres like jazz and classical music, where they can add complexity and depth to melodies and harmonies.

Review Questions

• How does an augmented interval differ from diminished and perfect intervals in terms of their structure?
  • An augmented interval differs from diminished and perfect intervals primarily by its size. While a perfect interval retains its distance when inverted and is considered stable, an augmented interval increases that distance by one half step, creating tension. Diminished intervals, on the other hand, are smaller than perfect or minor intervals by one half step. This contrast in size leads to different emotional effects in music.
• Discuss how augmented intervals function within chord progressions and their significance in creating musical tension.
  • Augmented intervals play a critical role in chord progressions by introducing tension that demands resolution. For instance, the augmented fifth in an augmented chord creates an unstable sound that typically resolves to a more stable chord like a major or minor triad. This resolution can enhance the overall emotional impact of the music, guiding listeners through a journey of tension and release.
• Evaluate the impact of augmented intervals on musical expression across different genres and their role in compositional techniques.
  • Augmented intervals significantly influence musical expression across various genres, such as classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. They add complexity and intrigue to melodies and harmonies by creating moments of tension that need resolution. Composers often use these intervals strategically in their works to evoke specific emotions or highlight key moments in the music, demonstrating their versatility as a compositional tool that enriches the listener's experience.

Related terms

Diminished Interval: A diminished interval is one half step smaller than a perfect or minor interval, creating a contrasting sound to that of an augmented interval.

Perfect Interval: A perfect interval is one that remains the same when inverted and can include the unison, fourth, fifth, and octave, serving as a foundation for understanding both augmented and diminished intervals.

Major Interval: A major interval is one that spans a whole step plus a half step from the root note, and when augmented, it becomes larger by one half step.