A musical interval is one of the fundamental concepts in music theory. It refers to the distance between two notes, forming the basis for constructing chords, melodies, and harmonies. In this article, we explain what intervals are, how they are classified, and their practical applications in singing and on all instruments, with a focus on the guitar. During music lessons at Music Vox Studio in Kraków we help students develop their musical skills on various instruments and in singing through practical exercises and helpful resources, making it easier to understand music and create their own projects.
Types of intervals
Melodic intervals and harmonic intervals
- Melodic: When two notes are played one after the other.
- Harmonic: When two notes are played simultaneously.
Simple and Compound Intervals
- Simple: From root note to the octave (including octave)
- Compound: Extend beyond one octave
Table of intervals
Below are the tables of simple intervals and compound intervals , detailing their notation, names, and distances. It's worth noting that interval notation can also, in part, be used in the same way when constructing chords. However, this is not a strict rule, as the notations differ depending on whether jazz or classical notation is used. A separate article on chords and chord notation will definitely be featured on our blog posts. If you don't want to miss it, subscribe to our newsletter!
| Notation | Name | Distance |
| 1 | Perfect Unison | 0 semitones |
| b2 | Minor Second | 1semitones |
| 2 | Major Second | 2 semitones |
| b3 | Minor Third | 3 semitones |
| 3 | Major Third | 4 semitones |
| 4 | Perfect Fourth | 5 semitones |
| #4 | Augmented Fourth (Tritone) | 6 semitones |
| b5 | Diminished Fifth (Tritone) | 6 semitones |
| 5 | Perfect Fifth | 7 semitones |
| #5 | Augmented Fifth | 8 semitones |
| b6 | Minor Sixth | 8 semitones |
| 6 | Major Sixth | 9 semitones |
| b7 | Minor Seventh | 10 semitones |
| ^7 | Major Seventh | 11 semitones |
| 8 | Octave | 12 semitones |
| Notation | Name | Distance |
| b9 | Minor Ninth | 13 semitones |
| 9 | Major Ninth | 14 semitones |
| b10 | Minor Tenth | 15 semitones |
| 10 | Major Tenth | 16 semitones |
| 11 | Perfect Eleventh | 17 semitones |
| #11 | Augmented Eleventh | 18 semitones |
| b12 | Diminished Tweflth | 18 semitones |
| 12 | Perfect Twelfth | 19 semitones |
| #12 | Augmented Twelfth | 20 semitones |
| b13 | Minor Thirteenth | 20 semitones |
| 13 | Major Thirteenth | 21 semitones |
| b14 | Minor Fourteenth | 22 semitones |
| 14 | Major Fourteenth | 23 semitones |
| 15 | Double Octave | 24 semitones |
Observe the relationship between simple and compound intervals, which always consist of an octave plus a simple interval. For example:
| Minor ninth = octave + minor second |
| Major ninth = octave + major second |
| Minor tenth = octave + minor third |
| Major tenth = octave + major third |
| and so on. |
Thus, in chords: The ninth functions as a second, The thirteenth functions as a sixth, and so on.
Intervals in Guitar playing practice
The ability to master intervals vocally or on an instrument is particularly important. For guitarists, for example, the following is especially crucial:
1. Recognizing intervals on the fretboard::
- It is essential to memorize the shapes that form specific intervals.
It’s worth noting that on the guitar, the same interval can be played in several different ways. Therefore, it’s important to focus on mastering the ability to play intervals both melodically and harmonically from each string.
2. Constructing chords::
- Understanding intervals allows for the creation of complex chords, e.g., C9 (without the fifth):
- Root (C) + major third (E) + minor seventh (Bb) + major ninth (D) = C9 chord.
3. Ear Training:
- The ability to distinguish intervals by ear is crucial in learning music.
- Apps and programs supporting ear training can be incredibly helpful. On our music lessons at Music Vox Studio we approach this topic comprehensively for vocalists, guitarists, pianists , and anyone else eager to develop their skills regularly!
How to practice intervals?
- Play simple melodies (melodically and harmonically) using a single interval, such as a major third or minor third. Use our backing tracks:
- Major 3rds: https://youtu.be/V6RFZwtFXl0
- Minor 3rds: https://youtu.be/DkZV8ySH1xg
- Practice both melodically and harmonically (using two strings) as follows: Only starting from the 6th string, Only starting from the 5th string, Only starting from the 4th string, Only starting from the 3rd string, Only starting from the 2nd string
- Create simple chords by experimenting with adding more intervals.
- Use interval recognition apps daily (we'll cover this in detail in our next blog post).
Conclusion
Mastering intervals opens the door to more advanced playing and a deeper understanding of music. At our music lessons at Music Vox Studio in Kraków, whether in person or online, we will show you many more practical exercises tailored specifically to you! This guarantees progress in enhancing your musicality and knowledge of music.
Remember, the key to success is consistency. Practicing with backing tracks, working with music notation, and improving your instrument or vocal skills are all areas that require patience but bring long-term results. Even a few minutes of daily practice can significantly improve your abilities.
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