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Music Theory

Intervals
An interval is the distance between two notes. Intervals are always counted from the
lower note to the higher one, with the lower note being counted as one. Intervals come in
different qualities and size. If the notes are sounded successively, it is a melodic interval. If
sounded simultaneously, then it is a harmonic interval.
The smallest interval used in Western music is the half step. A visual representation of a
half step would be the distance between a consecutive white and black note on the piano.
There are two eceptions to this rule, as two natural half steps occur between the notes !
and ", and # and $.
A whole step is the distance between two consecutive white or black keys. It is made up
of two half steps.
Qualities and Size
Intervals can be described as %a&or '%(, %inor 'm(, )erfect ')(, Augmented 'A(, and
*iminished 'd(.
Intervals come in various sizes+ ,nisons, -econds, Thirds, "ourths, "ifths, -iths, and
-evenths.
.nds, /rds, 0ths, and 1ths can be found as %a&or and %inor.
,nisons, 2ths, 3ths, and 4ctaves are )erfect. 5isten
When a ma&or interval is raised by a half step, it becomes augmented.
When a ma&or interval is lowered by a half step, it becomes minor.
When a ma&or interval is lowered by two half steps, it becomes diminished.
When a minor interval is raised by a half step, it becomes ma&or.
When a minor interval is raised by two half steps, it becomes augmented.
When a minor interval is lowered by a half step, it becomes diminished.
When a perfect interval is raised by a half step, it becomes augmented.
When a perfect interval is lowered by a half step, it becomes diminished.
INVERSIONS OF INTERVALS
Intervals can be inverted, which basically means you turn them upside down. The lower
note is raised up an octave so that the top note6bottom note relationship is reversed. The
chart below shows the inversions of intervals.
Qualities
%a&or becomes %inor
%inor becomes %a&or
)erfect remains )erfect
Augmented becomes *iminished
*iminished becomes Augmented
Size
. becomes 1
/ becomes 0
2 becomes 3
3 becomes 2
0 becomes /
1 becomes .
Interval Identification
It is important to be able to hear and identify intervals. This is a very important thing for
musicians to do. 7ere is a list of familiar songs that will help you to identify the intervals.
m.8 -tormy Weather m.
%.8 7appy #irthday %.
m/8 The Impossible *ream m/
-o 5ong, "arewell from The -ound of %usic
%/8 7alls of %ontezuma %/
)28 7ere comes the bride )2
A28 %aria from West -ide -tory A2
)38 -tar Wars )3
Twinkle, Twinkle, 5ittle -tar
%08 9#$ theme music %0
m18 -omewhere from West -ide -tory m1
%18 #ali 7ai from -outh )acific %1
4ctave8 4ver the rainbow 4ct.
Scales
There are many different types of scales. They are the backbone of music.
A ma&or scale is a series of : consecutive notes that use the following pattern of half and
whole steps+ 5isten
%inor -cales come in three forms+ 9atural, %elodic, and 7armonic.
9atural %inor scales use the following pattern of half and whole steps+ 5isten
%elodic %inor scales ascend and use the following pattern of half and whole steps.
When descending, they do so in the natural minor form. 5isten
7armonic %inor scales use the following pattern of half and whole steps+ 5isten
$hromatic -cales are made up entirely of half steps. When ascending, the scale uses
sharps, when descending it uses flats.5isten
Whole Tone -cales differ from the other scales because it only has 0 tones. It uses the
following pattern+ 5isten
A pentatonic -cale is a five8tone scale, which has its beginning in antiquity. There are
traces of this scale in 4riental and American Indian music. This scale does not have a
leading tone, which gives the scale it;s unique sound. The scale has two forms. The first one
uses the group of two black keys followed by three black keys. The pattern is as follows+
5isten
The second one used the group of three black keys followed by two black keys. The
pattern is as follows+ 5isten
ey Si!natures
There are <3 ma&or and <3 minor key signatures. The sharps or flats at the beginning of
the staff indicate the main tone 'diatonic( to which other tones are related.
*b8$=, >b8"=, $b8#, are enharmonic keys, meaning that they are written differently, but
sound the same.
There are <3 ma&or and <3 minor key signatures. The sharps or flats at the beginning of the
staff indicate the main tone 'diatonic( to which other tones are related.
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