2.2 Interval Identification and Construction
5 min read•july 29, 2024
Intervals are the building blocks of music, measuring the distance between pitches. They're crucial for understanding scales, chords, and harmony. Mastering interval identification and construction is key to developing your musical ear and theory knowledge.
In this section, we'll explore how to identify and construct intervals. You'll learn to measure pitch distances, determine interval sizes and qualities, and analyze melodic and harmonic intervals. This knowledge will help you read music, compose, and understand chord progressions better.
Interval Identification
Measuring Distance Between Pitches
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- An interval is the distance between two pitches, measured by the number of half steps or whole steps between them
- Half steps and whole steps are the building blocks of intervals
- A half step is the smallest possible interval in Western music, equivalent to the distance between two adjacent keys on a piano (white to black, black to white, or white to white)
- A whole step is equal to two half steps, equivalent to the distance between two keys with one key in between them on a piano (white to white, skipping over a black key)
Determining Interval Size
- Interval size is determined by counting the number of letter names (inclusive) between the two pitches, with the starting pitch counted as 1
- Intervals can range from a (same pitch) to a 15th or beyond
- Intervals up to an are called simple intervals (unison, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, octave)
- Intervals larger than an octave are called compound intervals (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, etc.)
Determining Interval Quality
- Interval quality is determined by the number of half steps between the two pitches, relative to the major scale of the lower pitch
- The five main interval qualities are , major, , , and
- Perfect intervals (unison, 4th, 5th, octave) are neither major nor minor and remain perfect when inverted
- Augmented and diminished intervals are alterations of perfect intervals (augmented 4th, diminished 5th)
- Major intervals (2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th) can be made minor by lowering the upper pitch by a half step, or augmented by raising the upper pitch by a half step
- Minor intervals can be made diminished by lowering the upper pitch by a half step
- Perfect intervals (unison, 4th, 5th, octave) are neither major nor minor and remain perfect when inverted
Interval Construction
Constructing Intervals Above a Given Note
- To construct an interval above a given note, first determine the letter name of the upper note based on the interval size, then adjust accidentals to match the desired quality
- For example, to construct a major 6th above C, first find the 6th letter name above C (counting C as 1), which is A. Then, adjust the accidentals to create a major 6th (9 half steps) by adding a sharp to A, resulting in A♯
- Constructing a (larger than an octave) involves the same process as constructing a within an octave, then displacing the upper note by one or more octaves
- For example, to construct a major 13th above C, first construct a major 6th (A♯) and then displace the upper note up an octave, resulting in a major 13th from C to A♯
Constructing Intervals Below a Given Note
- To construct an interval below a given note, first determine the letter name of the lower note based on the interval size, then adjust accidentals to match the desired quality
- For example, to construct a perfect 5th below D, first find the 5th letter name below D (counting D as 1), which is G. Then, adjust the accidentals to create a perfect 5th (7 half steps) by leaving G natural
- Constructing a compound interval below a given note involves the same process as constructing a simple interval within an octave, then displacing the lower note by one or more octaves
- For example, to construct a perfect 12th below A, first construct a perfect 5th (E) and then displace the lower note down an octave, resulting in a perfect 12th from A down to E
Interval Analysis
Melodic Intervals
- Melodic intervals occur between two pitches sounded consecutively (one after the other) as part of a melody
- Analyzing melodic intervals involves identifying the quality and size of intervals between successive pitches
- For example, in the melody C-E-G-C, the melodic intervals are a major 3rd (C to E), a minor 3rd (E to G), and a perfect 4th (G to C)
- Understanding melodic intervals helps in recognizing melodic patterns, motifs, and overall melodic structure
Harmonic Intervals
- Harmonic intervals occur between two pitches sounded simultaneously (together) as part of a chord
- Analyzing harmonic intervals involves identifying the quality and size of intervals between concurrent pitches
- For example, in a C major triad (C-E-G), the harmonic intervals are a major 3rd (C to E), a minor 3rd (E to G), and a perfect 5th (C to G)
- analysis aids in understanding chord structure, harmonic progression, and the overall tonality of a musical passage
Consonance vs Dissonance
Defining Consonance and Dissonance
- Consonance and dissonance refer to the perceived stability or instability of an interval, which can vary depending on musical style and context
- Consonant intervals are generally considered stable and pleasant sounding
- Perfect intervals (unison, 4th, 5th, octave) and major/minor 3rds and 6ths are typically treated as consonant
- Dissonant intervals are generally considered unstable and tense sounding, often requiring resolution to a consonant interval
- Major/minor 2nds and 7ths, along with all augmented and diminished intervals, are typically treated as dissonant
Factors Affecting Consonance and Dissonance
- The consonance or dissonance of an interval can be affected by its harmonic context, as well as its preparation and resolution within a musical passage
- For example, a perfect 4th is considered consonant when used as part of a consonant triad (C-F-A), but can be perceived as dissonant when used as a requiring resolution (F-B resolving to E-C)
- Musical style and cultural norms also play a role in determining the perceived consonance or dissonance of intervals
- For example, in medieval music, perfect 4ths were considered consonant, while in later Western classical music, they were often treated as dissonant when used melodically
Key Terms to Review (29)
Ascending interval: An ascending interval refers to the distance between two pitches where the second pitch is higher than the first. This concept is crucial in music as it forms the foundation for melody and harmony, influencing how music is perceived and constructed. Understanding ascending intervals helps in identifying musical patterns, creating compositions, and recognizing harmonic relationships.
Augmented: In music, 'augmented' refers to a quality of intervals and chords that is raised or increased by a half step. This term is often used to describe augmented intervals, which are one half step larger than a perfect or major interval, and augmented chords, which typically consist of a root note, a major third, and an augmented fifth. Augmented elements create a sense of tension and can add distinct flavor to musical progressions, making them an important concept in harmonic structure and composition.
Augmented Fourth: An augmented fourth is an interval that spans five half steps, or semitones, in the musical scale, and is considered an enhancement of a perfect fourth. This interval has a distinct sound, often described as dissonant, and plays a crucial role in harmony and tension within music composition. It is important to understand its construction and identification to effectively utilize it in various musical contexts.
Compound Interval: A compound interval is an interval that spans more than one octave, essentially extending beyond the range of a simple interval. While simple intervals can be classified as seconds through sevenths, compound intervals cover those same relationships but stretch into the next octave or further. Understanding compound intervals is crucial for recognizing and constructing harmonies that occur in larger ranges of music.
Descending interval: A descending interval is the musical distance between two pitches where the second pitch is lower than the first. This concept is essential in music as it helps in understanding melody and harmony, allowing composers to create expressive musical lines. Recognizing descending intervals also aids in identifying patterns and constructing melodies that evoke different emotions or effects.
Diminished: Diminished refers to a specific quality of chords and intervals that sound tense or unresolved, characterized by the lowering of a note by a half step. In music theory, diminished intervals are often used in common chord progressions and can create tension that seeks resolution. Understanding diminished chords and intervals is essential for recognizing their function within musical compositions, as they often lead to more stable harmonic areas.
Diminished fifth: A diminished fifth is an interval that spans six half steps, also known as semitones, in music theory. It is considered an unstable and dissonant interval, often creating tension within harmonic progressions. This interval can also be understood in relation to other intervals, such as the perfect fourth and augmented fourth, which highlights its unique sound and characteristics in music composition and counterpoint.
Ear training: Ear training is the practice of developing the ability to recognize, understand, and reproduce musical elements by ear. This includes identifying intervals, chords, rhythms, and melodies without visual aids, which is crucial for musicians to effectively interpret and create music. Mastering ear training helps improve overall musicianship and enhances the ability to communicate musically with others.
Harmonic Interval: A harmonic interval is the distance between two pitches that are played simultaneously, creating a specific sound relationship. This term is essential for understanding how different notes combine to form chords and contribute to harmony in music. By recognizing the characteristics of harmonic intervals, musicians can better analyze and create harmonies that enhance the overall musical texture.
Interval Class: An interval class is a way of categorizing musical intervals based on their distance in semitones, regardless of the specific pitch classes involved. This means that intervals are grouped together if they share the same distance, which helps in understanding and analyzing harmonic relationships in music. By focusing on the quality and size of the interval rather than the notes themselves, interval classes enable musicians to recognize patterns and structures within compositions more easily.
Interval Inversion: Interval inversion is the process of flipping a musical interval so that the lower note becomes the upper note and vice versa. This transformation changes the quality and number of the interval, while maintaining the same two pitches. Understanding interval inversion is crucial for recognizing how intervals function in harmony and voice leading, as it allows composers to create varied textures and progressions.
Interval Recognition Drills: Interval recognition drills are exercises designed to help musicians identify and differentiate musical intervals by ear. These drills focus on improving aural skills through repetitive listening and practice, allowing musicians to recognize the distance between two notes, whether played simultaneously or in succession. The goal is to develop an instinctive understanding of intervals, which is crucial for tasks like sight-singing, improvisation, and transcribing music.
Interval Symbol: An interval symbol is a shorthand notation used to represent the distance between two pitches in music. It typically consists of two letter names separated by a number, indicating the size of the interval, and may also include additional symbols to convey qualities such as major, minor, perfect, augmented, or diminished. This notation is essential for identifying and constructing intervals accurately within the context of musical theory.
Interval Transposition: Interval transposition is the process of shifting a musical interval from one pitch to another while maintaining its size and quality. This technique is essential in music composition and analysis, as it allows composers to explore different voicings, harmonies, and arrangements without altering the fundamental character of the interval. Understanding interval transposition helps musicians create variations and transform melodic ideas effectively.
Major second: A major second is an interval that spans two adjacent scale degrees, encompassing a whole tone. It is represented by the distance between two notes where the higher note is two half steps above the lower note. This interval is crucial for understanding melody and harmony, as it often appears in scales and chords, establishing a foundation for musical movement and structure.
Major Seventh: A major seventh is an interval that spans eleven half steps, occurring between the root note and the seventh note of a major scale. This interval is crucial for constructing major seventh chords, which consist of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and a major seventh. Understanding the major seventh helps in recognizing chord functions and voice leading in both harmony and composition.
Major Sixth: A major sixth is an interval that spans six diatonic scale degrees and consists of a major third plus a perfect fifth. In terms of semitones, it encompasses nine half steps, which gives it a distinct sound that is considered consonant and harmonious. This interval can be found in various musical contexts, from melodies to harmonies, and plays a crucial role in understanding the structure and construction of chords.
Major Third: A major third is an interval that spans four half steps (or semitones) and is considered one of the most consonant and harmonious intervals in Western music. This interval plays a critical role in building major chords and scales, establishing a sense of brightness and stability. The major third serves as a foundational building block for triads and has significant implications in two-part writing, where harmony and counterpoint can be explored through its use.
Melodic Interval: A melodic interval is the distance between two pitches played in succession, forming the building blocks of a melody. This concept is essential for understanding how melodies are constructed, as the specific intervals chosen greatly influence the overall contour and emotional impact of the musical line. Recognizing and identifying these intervals is crucial for both composition and analysis, allowing musicians to create expressive and cohesive melodic lines.
Minor: In music, 'minor' refers to a scale or chord that has a darker, sadder sound compared to its major counterpart. The minor scale is characterized by a specific pattern of whole and half steps that creates its unique tonal quality, which plays a crucial role in establishing emotional moods within music. Understanding how minor keys function, how they relate to common chord progressions, and how intervals are constructed can deepen one’s appreciation of harmony and composition.
Minor second: A minor second is a musical interval that spans one half step, or semitone, between two pitches. This interval is recognized for its dissonant sound and is often used to create tension in music. The minor second is the smallest interval used in Western music and plays a crucial role in defining melodies, harmonies, and chords.
Minor third: A minor third is an interval spanning three half steps (or semitones) between two pitches, creating a sound that is often perceived as dark or melancholic. This interval is foundational in music, as it contributes to the construction of minor chords and plays a crucial role in establishing tonalities within compositions. Understanding the minor third helps in identifying chord qualities, transposing melodies, and dictating rhythmic patterns.
Octave: An octave is the interval between one musical pitch and another with double its frequency. This interval creates a sense of similarity between notes, allowing for both harmonic and melodic applications in music. Understanding octaves is crucial in identifying intervals, constructing scales, and recognizing chords, as well as in composing pieces that use two-part writing effectively.
Perfect: In music theory, 'perfect' refers to a specific quality of intervals and chords that convey a sense of stability and consonance. Perfect intervals, such as perfect fourths, fifths, and octaves, are characterized by their harmonious sound and are foundational in the structure of Western music. Understanding the concept of perfect intervals and chords is essential for identifying relationships between notes and constructing harmonious progressions.
Perfect Fifth: A perfect fifth is a musical interval that spans five diatonic scale degrees and is considered one of the most consonant and stable intervals in music. It is characterized by a frequency ratio of 3:2, meaning that when two notes are played together, the higher note vibrates at a frequency that is one and a half times that of the lower note. The perfect fifth is essential in harmony, chord construction, and overall musical structure, making it a foundational element in various musical contexts.
Perfect Fourth: A perfect fourth is an interval spanning four diatonic scale degrees, which is characterized by a specific frequency ratio of 4:3. This interval creates a sound that is perceived as stable and consonant, often used in harmony and melody to establish a sense of tension and resolution. It plays a significant role in voice leading and chord progressions, connecting closely with principles of part writing and interval construction.
Simple interval: A simple interval is the distance between two pitches that spans one octave or less. It is foundational in understanding how notes relate to each other within a scale and helps in building chords and melodies. Recognizing simple intervals is essential for interval identification, which is a key skill in music composition and analysis.
Staff notation: Staff notation is a system of writing music using a set of horizontal lines and spaces to represent different pitches and rhythms. It allows musicians to read and interpret musical compositions by indicating note placement, duration, and various performance instructions. This notation serves as a universal language for musicians to communicate and reproduce music accurately.
Unison: Unison refers to the interval where two or more musical voices or notes sound at the same pitch, creating a harmonious blending of sound. This concept is fundamental in music, as it establishes a strong sense of identity and unity among voices, often serving as the building block for more complex harmonies and chords. Recognizing unison helps in understanding how music is constructed, especially when identifying intervals and recognizing the relationships between different notes.